Great Bend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages participants to “Build a Better World.” Kids and adults can sign up any time starting Thursday, June 1.
The summer of reading and library activities kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, June 2, with Thad Beach and his “Band in a Bucket” at the library, 1409 Williams St. One-man-band Thad Beach from Salina plays simple rhythm and string instruments, including the bucket bass, washboard and can drums. Participants can make their own instruments and help him perform some well-known songs.
There is no charge to sign up for summer reading challenges or to attend events, said Elizabeth Dukelow, marketing director at the library. Children, teens and adults can sign up for reading challenges and record their progress.
“We’re super excited,” said Amy Mayhill, who starts her new job as head of the library’s Youth Department on Thursday. “Even if you don’t like to read we’ve got things for you to do.”
“Thursday nights are a family event,” said Diedre Lemon, outgoing assistant library director. There will be activities at 6 p.m. every Thursday starting June 8. The first program, “Ancestry,” is about how to research genealogy and how to scan and save family photos. There’s also a Lego Night on June 22.
CSI and Rock Band
Tuesday afternoons are devoted to teen activities, which are open to students in grades 7-12, including those who just finished sixth grade. At 2:30 p.m. on June 6 participants can solve a murder mystery at Teen CSI and on June 20 they can compete in the video game Rock Band.
There are also Tuesday activities for younger children and adults. Story Time is usually at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For adults, explore technology at 3 p.m. The June 6 Tech Tuesday topic is “How to Snapchat.” Upcoming topics include how to using Instagram and Twitter, and how to code.
Kids and families
Children’s events are open to preschoolers through sixth graders, and parents. These include a Mad Scientist show at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 7; live-action story time on June 14; a presentation about the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum on June 21; and Water Day on June 28.
There will also be family movies. These include “Lost and Found” at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, and “Matilda” on June 30.
Incentives
Everyone has a chance to win prizes by reading or completing library challenges. Teens who complete their goals will be allowed to participate in a library lock-in at the end of the program. Adults will get a ticket in a prize drawing for every 100 minutes of reading.
Registration and complete lists of activities can be found at the library or online, http://greatbend.mykansaslibrary.org/, in English and Spanish.
