Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! In addition to our regular children’s programs this week, like Story Time on Tuesday, Library Time with Miss Jessica on Wednesday, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) activities on Thursday, we have a big event happening for kids next weekend.

Saturday, November 14th, marks the special, statewide event, Kansas Reads to Preschoolers! This event is geared towards children ages 0-5, but you are welcome to bring the whole family to this come-and-go event at your convenience between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Little ones can look forward to dancing to some groovy tunes while enjoying an ice cream treat. When they are all danced out, don’t forget to grab a special take and make craft on the way out.

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual event put on to promote reading to all children from birth to age 5 throughout the state of Kansas. This program focuses on encouraging parents, librarians and caregivers to read with children statewide. This year’s featured book is “Groovy Joe: Ice Cream & Dinosaurs” by Eric Litwin. Families can pick up a free copy of the book at the event (please limit one book per family; first come, first served). Along with the copies we are distributing at the event, the Great Bend Public Library will provide daycares and preschools with a copy of the book and related activities.

This title is also available through Bookflix, a free service that anyone with a Kansas State Library card can access. If you don’t already have one of these cards and would like to use Bookflix or any number of the great services offered through the Kansas State Library, you can request one at our front desk. Registration is a quick and simple process open to all Kansas residents.

Starting Thursday, November 12, we will have our next take-home craft kit for adults. Using simple materials, anyone can make some string art to display in their home or to give as a gift. The kit will include the board, string, nails, and instructions needed for the project. You will, however, need to provide your own hammer. Kits are limited; first come, first served.

I would like to close out this week’s article with a poem by Joanna Fuchs called “Take a Moment to Thank a Veteran.”

“When you see someone in a uniform, someone who serves us all, doing military duty, answering their country’s call, take a moment to thank them for protecting what you hold dear; tell them you are proud of them; make it very clear. Just tap them on the shoulder, give a smile, and say, “Thanks for what you’re doing; to keep us safe in the USA!” On Wednesday, Nov. 11, don’t forget to thank a veteran you know for all they have done.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website, greatbendpl.info, for all of these great programs and more. For library information or questions, please visit our Facebook page or website greatbendpl.info. You can also message us on Facebook or email us at gbcirc@gmail.com.

Hannah Grippin is the outreach and marketing manager for the Great Bend Public Library.