SPL offers children’s summer activities
Starkville Public Library will offer children who are out of school for the summer plentiful activities through its Summer Reading Program “Libraries Rock!” and other weekly activities.
SPL Children’s Librarian Christina Jurusik said the Summer Reading Program is geared toward sixth graders and younger, but older children won’t be turned away.
Registration for the Summer Reading Program will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 4 though June 9 at SPL.
Jurusik said anyone interested can sign up at SPL and the children will be placed in a level based on their grade level. Participants will also receive a bag with a calendar, reading instructions and other goodies.
Jurusik said around 300 children attend the Summer Reading Program each year, and there is no limit on the number of children who can attend.
At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on June 13, Freedom Ranch, a wildlife program featuring animals from around the world, will take place.
At 2 p.m. June 20, the Summer Reading Program will feature Stormin’ Bob Swanson, the singing weatherman.
Uncle Bubba’s Emporium of Oddities and Curiosities will be 10 a.m. June 27, a puppet show by Andy Childress. Attendees will help the puppets make monsters and music.
At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 11, the Summer Reading Program will feature Animal Tales of Kentucky. Attendees will meet five animal musicians and learn about them. Attendees are asked to attend only one performance, and all children under six need a lap to sit in.
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show will be 10 a.m. July 18.
For the conclusion of the Summer Reading Program at 10 a.m. July 25, Snakeman Terry Vandeventer will give a 45-minute presentation on snakes of the deep South. All ages are welcome, but children under six will need to be accompanied by an adult.
More programming will be added throughout the summer.
Jurusik said, along with the presentations, prizes will be given to winning summer readers. Bop’s, Insomnia Cookies and McAllister’s have donated coupons for participants, and SPL will be giving away a $25 gift card to Walmart. The participant to read the most books over the summer will win a a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble and a singed copy of “Dogman” by Dav Pilky. For every 10 books a child reads, they can put their name in a drawing for a small foosball table.
Jurusik said the goal of SPL’s Summer Reading Program is to encourage children not to lose what they’ve learned during the school year and fall into the “summer slide.”
“The big thing is that they don’t keep reading so they keep what they’ve learned and have improved comprehension and are more prepared for the upcoming school year,” Jurusik said. “We try to make it fun and interesting for them with the different presentations and activities.”
The Starkville Public Library will also offer weekly programs throughout the year for children of all ages.
Tiny Tots Story Time takes place for children under three at 10 a.m. every Tuesday except June 28 and July 26, which will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Preschool Story Time takes place every Thursday at 10 a.m. for children ages three to six. Fantastic Book Investigators Book Club meets from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. every Wednesday for fourth through sixth graders. Lego Day takes place the last Thursday of each month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.