Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! We have been back and open to the public now for two weeks, and would like to announce our new summer hours are now official. They will remain until August 15th, when we switch back to our regular hours. We are open Monday through Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10-3, and we will remain closed on Sundays. We look forward to being able to be able to serve the community again with our new hours throughout the summer. 

I would like to wish all the dads a very Happy Father’s Day this Sunday. If you are looking for something to read over Father’s Day weekend, I have a few suggestions that are sure to make you remember how special a relationship between father and child can be. My first suggestion is a wonderful book that dads can read to or with younger kids. “Hair Love” is a beautiful story about a dad trying to help his daughter style her unruly curly locks, for a very special occasion. It’s no easy job, there are plenty of mishaps and struggles along the way. Zuri’s father is tempted to give up, but his love of his daughter and desire to make her happy encourages him to keep trying. This book is based on an Oscar-winning short film and has received a lot of praise for its wonderful message.

The other book I would like to suggest is “The Road.” A post-apocalyptic tale about a father and son trekking through a desolated America. They have only a single pistol, the clothes on their back, and each other to make it through the dangerous landscape. Filled with wild animals, biting cold, and roving gangs. They are “each the other’s entire world,” and must find strength in one another to keep going. “The Road” is a story about the best and the worst of people’s capabilities, and ultimately a father’s and son’s love for each other getting them through impossible obstacles. If either of these books sounds interesting to you they are both available at the library physically, as well as, digitally through our digital services for free. Whether you decide to read a book with dad, barbecue, or just take the time to say, “Happy Fathers Day,” I hope you all have a great Father’s Day weekend!

As a reminder, registration is still open for our children’s and teen’s summer library program. You can find information on how to register on our website, greatbendpl.info. Be sure to register before June 28 to make sure you secure your bag, filled with everything you need to enjoy the program from home. 

For library information or questions, please visit our Facebook page or website greatbendpl.info. You can also message us on Facebook or email at gbcirc@gmail.com.

Hannah Grippin is the outreach and marketing manager for the Great Bend Public Library. She can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.