We can hardly believe it’s almost time for Summer Reading 2024, and we are excited to share details of upcoming action-packed adventures. With the theme “Readers on the Move,” we will be highlighting all types of transportation methods, with the greatest one being BOOKS that can take you ANYWHERE!
The program begins downtown on Tuesday, May 28. Join us for “Storytime in the Park” at Fountain Square at noon. Then walk over to the Capitol at 12:30pm for a free movie, followed by a meet and greet with Paw Patrol pups Chase and Skye. (Outdoor storytimes and kids’ movies will be featured through the summer on Tuesdays at those times.)
The following week will be FULL of excitement! It begins Monday, June 3 at 6pm, when we will host weatherman Jim Cantore at SKyPAC, rescheduled from an earlier canceled date, who is sure to delight fans who have waited to meet him. In addition, we will host our kick-off “Launch Party” at the Corvette Museum on Thursday, June 6, between 9:30am and 12:30pm. It will feature Batman and the Batmobile, a variety of community heroes, dinosaurs, Chase and Skye of Paw Patrol, a petting zoo, and more!
Please note that registration is required for all summer events, except for movies at the Capitol. Visit warrenpl.org/events or warrenpl.org/summer to locate event details and to register to secure your spot!
Partner programs:
We are happy to partner with the Historic Railpark to host activities for both kids and adults at the L&N Depot. In June, Storytime at the Historic Railpark will take place Mondays at 9am. In July, we will host Murder on the Orient Express Book Club on Mondays at 9am.
We will again join with our wonderful friends at Warren County Parks and Recreation to host a variety of themed family camps at Buchanon Park:
•Galaxy Family Camp: week of June 10
•STEM Family Camp: week of June 24
•Nature Family Camp: week of July 8
•Pirate Family Camp: week of July 22
Fountain Square Players will partner with us on two additional camps for youth interested in acting and play production. Both culminate in a public performance at the Capitol the Friday night of the week they are scheduled:
•Teen Theatre Camp: week of July 8
•Kids’ Theatre Camp: week of July 22
Author events:
On Sunday, June 16, at 3pm readers should visit the Bob Kirby Branch Library for a presentation by authors Jennifer Moorman and Love Hudson-Maggio, as part of their “Magic & Karma Tour.” Moorman is a bestselling author of magical realism and southern fiction. Hudson-Maggio is a renowned author of southern and international fiction.
On Sunday, July 7, at 3pm the author series goes off-site to Aviation Heritage Park. Readers, aviation fans, and history buffs will enjoy a presentation by award-winning authors Sherri Smith and Elizabeth Wein, who teamed up to pen American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky. This inspiring true story was co-written by the acclaimed author of Flygirl and the bestselling author of Code Name Verity.
Agatha Christie fans will love hearing from expert “Agathologist” Michelle Kazmer on Monday, July 29, at 6pm. Currently the Dean of the College of Communication and Information at Florida State University, Kazmer has published a series of conference papers and book chapters as a result of her research on the beloved mystery author and will share her findings and insight with those who visit the Bob Kirby Branch Library that evening.
Capitol presentations:
Car racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss meeting NASCAR crew chief Jeff Hammond on Monday, June 10, at 6pm at the Capitol. Known as the best jackman in the business, he continues to stay connected to the racing industry and is an analyst for Fox Sports.
Adult movie lovers will have a great time this summer, too! Free films are scheduled for most Wednesday evenings in June and July. In addition, movie goers can enjoy an afternoon and evening of classic films at our Agatha Christie Movie Marathon on Saturday, July 27. For specific titles and showtimes, go to capitolbg.org.
Reading incentive challenges:
We love making library visits and reading enjoyable experiences for all ages! So, kids who complete a “Reading Road Trip” activity log will receive a number of milestone prizes, including a WCPL fanny pack and a free book upon completion. They can move along the Reading Road Trip by reading, rereading, or listening to a book being read; attending a library program; walking a storytrail; checking out five books; or visiting a BG landmark listed on the log. Prizes may be redeemed after each milestone or all at once.
Adults and teens who complete a Summer Reading bookmark log will receive a WCPL fanny pack and coupon for a free book at Capitol Books. The log can be completed by doing a combination of activities, including reading or listening to a book, attending a library event or program, finding a resource (movie, music, book, or article) through a library database, or checking out five library items.
Completions also enter readers into a grand prize drawing, featuring a hot air balloon ride for two, a bicycle donated by Wal-Mart, and a skateboard donated by Howard’s. Make plans now to participate! See you at the library!
-by Ashley Fowlkes
Warren County Public Library
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