Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! Sadly, our summer reading program has come to an end. We had a great time this summer and hope our patrons did too. Starting now through August 15, anyone who participated in our children’s reading program and completed their goal as well as attended at least one library program can come pick up prizes. Our grand prize winners in each age category will be contacted shortly as well. 

Have you been keeping up with the long-awaited Tokyo Olympics? We have! In fact, we have a whole display about this year’s games, with an up to date medal count, in the central area of the main floor. You can learn some interesting Olympics trivia, along with information on where the games are, including maps of where everything is taking place. If you come by the library during the international event, be sure to check out our dedicated display and vote for your favorite Olympic sport!

With summer programming at an end, we will be taking a short break from events during the month of August, though we still have all our normal services we offer throughout the year. Be sure to take advantage of our free computer access and free wi-fi for personal devices. Meeting and conference rooms can be rented out free of charge (please see our website for more information and restrictions). We also offer faxing services at the front desk. And don’t forget about our large collection of library materials available for checkout—we added over 450 items in June and July alone! That includes new books, movies, audiobooks, comics, manga, and magazines. If digital content is more your style, you can use your Great Bend Public Library card to take advantage of our electronic services. Libby offers thousands of digital titles, from ebooks and audiobooks, and hoopla offers those on top of music and movies.

The library is also a great place to come and spend some time, even when it’s not for an event. We strive to provide a great place for hanging out that everyone can enjoy. Whether that’s reading the paper, working on a puzzle, playing video games in our Teen Spot, playing with toys or games in our Children’s Area, or reading a book together in a comfy chair, we’re sure you will find something waiting for you at the library!

Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website, greatbendpl.info, for upcoming programs and updates. You can also message us on Facebook or email us at gbcirc@gmail.com. We can also be reached via phone at 620-792-2409.

Hannah Grippin, outreach manager at the Great Bend Public Library, is the author of this column.