Summer Reading: Everyday Heroes at the Library

DAYTON – What do knights in shining armor, a fire chief, a Columbia County Sheriff's deputy, a teacher and a World War II veteran have in common? They are all (or were, in their time) everyday heroes. And they will each make an appearance at Dayton Memorial Library this summer.

"One of the nice things about living here so long is being able to pick up the phone and call someone to present for our program," said Carolyn Laib, the new children's librarian at Dayton Memorial.

Laib has a full summer of reading and activities planned this year, and it all kicks off on Friday at 11 a.m. with the Knight of Veritas.

Knights of Veritas is a nonprofit organization specializing in interactive, educational demonstrations of medieval arms, armor, combat, knighthood, culture and chivalry. Their presentation features demonstrations of authentic medieval combat, hands-on sharing, interactive activities, accurate replicas, displays and more.

The Summer Reading Program theme this year is "Every Hero Has a Story." And the entire program will feature heroes of every stripe. Laib, who has lived in Dayton for 24 years and grew up in Prescott, is fascinated with the idea of local heroes and their stories. She has enlisted a few to enlighten the youth of Dayton this summer.

Laib gets the excitement started with knights in shining armor, then moves to World War II veteran Owen Agenbroad at 3:30 p.m. on June 18. Columbia County Fire District 3 Chief Rick Turner will speak to young readers and give tours of a fire truck at 3:30 p.m. on June 23. And a sheriff's deputy will present at 3:30 p.m. on June 25.

Other presenters planned include local Emergency Medical Technicians, Dayton ag teacher Kristina Knebel, and local entomologist (bug scientist) Howard Beuhler. Kids and adults are invited to the August 6 presentation by T. Andrew Wahl at 6 p.m. He will speak about Superhero America: The Comic Book Character as Historical Lens.

Young readers, youth and teens who attend Friday's kick-off event will receive information on the full reading program including a calendar, Bingo sheets and more. Snacks will be served.

Teens can look forward to crafts such as DIY bleach shirts and comic book jewelry at 1 p.m. on June 22, July 13 and August 3. The Super Teens book club will meet three times during the summer (see full schedule on calendar released at program kick-off).

Young readers can participate in crafts at 1 p.m. every Wednesday, super science at 1 p.m. every Friday, and the Page Turners Book Club meeting three times during the summer. (See full schedule on calendar released at program kick-off).

Throwback superhero films will be presented on Thursdays at 1 p.m. and should be of interested to youth and teens alike, Laib said. Check your program schedule for the occasional teen movie evening as well.

Carolyn Laib: Children’s Librarian, Dayton Memorial Library

Laib took the position in April. She has lived for over two decades in Dayton and grew up in Prescott. She is married to John Laib and has raised four children, including her youngest, twins Bonnie and Levi Laib, who graduated from Dayton High School this month. She and her family farm wheat, a few other grains and some cattle. She and her husband have been 4-H leaders for 12 years or more. And Laib helps teach Sunday School at the Congregational Church in Dayton.

“I love this job,” she said of being a librarian. “I can’t believe how lucky I got. I love everyone I work with here, and every day is different.”