WELLMAN

Wellman’s Public Library hosted their second annual Summer Reading Kickoff event at Wellman’s North Park on Thursday, June 6, getting their summer reading program off to an exciting start.

“It’s a good way for us to get everybody together, to get our summer reading program up and running,” Megan Harris, Children’s Librarian, said.

The library’s summer reading program encourages reading throughout summer break by giving the kids a book log. When a kid finishes a book, they add it to their book log. When they completely fill a book log, they submit it at the library, earning a small prize. Complete book logs will be used at the end of the summer in a raffle for a grand prize.

Additionally, this kickoff event provided kids with a t-shirt donated by Hills Bank, food provided by Federation Bank, books, and a book bag made from recycled t-shirts, sticking with the library’s summer theme: “Read, Renew, Repeat,” in an effort to help the environment.

This kickoff event offered a plethora of other activities for the kids as well. The library’s clerk designed a chalk mural, giving the kids a space to color and draw; the kids could craft their own book bag out of recycled t-shirts; a balloon artist came along, gifting students with their personal balloon preference; and the kids were also allowed to run free, playing at the park with friends.

“It’s important to get kids excited to go read for the summer. We want them reading books so they aren’t sliding back with their reading skills before school starts next year,” Harris said as to why the kickoff program is important. “We’re getting them excited about reading for the summer. We’re getting them together. We love to do things for the community.”

The Wellman Public Library plans to offer free events like this nearly every day during June and July. Additionally, they offer programs for teenagers and adults. To sign up, just visit the library’s website. Once signed up, you’ll see the upcoming events. Some require you to sign up specifically for that event while others state they’re for the public as a whole.