Summer Reading Programs are Underway

It's that time of year again. School is out for summer and the libraries are offering educational fun with their summer reading programs. This year, Waitsburg, Dayton, and Prescott libraries are all using the theme "Build a Better World."

Waitsburg

The Weller Public Library will host its summer reading program on Monday afternoons from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., from June 26 through July 31. This year's theme is "Build a Better World." The program will kick off with free root beer floats during sign-up on June 22, from 3-4 p.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. The program includes making arts and crafts from recycled materials, reading, and prizes. The YWCA Fun Factory will be at Preston Park from 2:30-4 p.m. each Monday, so kids can go directly from the reading program to the Fun Factory.

The library also offers story time from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each Monday morning. Everyone is welcome.

Prescott

Children from ages 5-12 are encouraged to visit the Prescott library every Thursday at 4 p.m. for summer reading activities. Young adults (13-20) will have their own reading challenge and will end the summer with a Trivia Night.

Adults can also participate with the Prescott Reads program. Check out a copy of The Martian by Andy Weir, and then come to The Tuxedo Bar & Grill on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. where teams will compete in Book Trivia.

Pacific Science Center will make an appearance at the end of summer to present two special workshops. Super Structures is geared for children ages 4-8 and Wired Up is aimed at those age 8 and older. Be sure to stop by the library and register early as the number of participants is limited by supplies.

Dayton

"I just want kids to read and enjoy it," said Children's Librarian Carolyn Laib, about the summer's offerings.

The Bingo Reading Challenge for youth runs from June 8 to August 18. Sign-up sheets and reading challenge packets, with bingo cards included, are available at the library for prereaders, elementary school students, and young adults.

The completion of five books in a row entitles the reader to a prize on Friday of each week, and entry into the grand prize drawing, to be held the week of August 18. There will also be prize baskets in each age category.

"We have something going on every week for kids of all ages," Laib said about weekly and special programs throughout the summer.

Weekly programs will be held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., from June 21, through August 16. Classes include nature walk, pallet building project, vet science with Kennie Reeves, recycling, scribble bots, wind sock fun at Homestreet Bank, and bee pollinators.

Special programs will also be held this summer. On July 21, there will be a Star-Gazing party at 7 p.m. at Blue Mountain Station. "Just Dance" will take place at 6 p.m. on July 25 at the library. Eclipse viewing will take place at the Blue Mountain Station on August 21, at 10 am.

The summer reading program will end with a program sponsored by Seattle's Pacific Science Center, focusing on architecture, building, and construction. The program will take place at the library on August 25, from 1-4 p.m. There will also be an ice cream sundae social.

The Summer Reading program for Adults will begin June 19. Sign-up sheets and reading bingo cards are available at the library.

Completion of a row or column on the Reading Bingo card entitles the reader to a prize on Fridays, and entry into the grand prize drawing to be held August 18.

A special program, "Protecting our Pollinators," will take place June 22 at 6:30 p.m., for both adults and youth. Beekeeper Susan Hosticka will speak about native pollinators, their importance, and the conditions they need to thrive.

Library staffer Howard Beuhler said to watch for a program on insects that are found in Columbia County, in August as well.

"I'm trying to get people to expand their interests and open their eyes and see the world around them," Beuhler said.