A summer of fun at the Weiser Public Library

The Weiser Public Library is inviting kids of all ages to participate in the summer reading program “An Ocean of Possibilities.” With prizes for independent reading, stem activities, and summer story time,  there’s something for everyone at the library. 

 The fun kicked off Friday, June 3 with the “Museum on the Move.” The free to all event filled the library with a variety of hands-on learning activities exploring science and engineering. 

 One of the fun ways for everyone to get involved over the summer is through the independent reading program. The theme “Ocean’s of Possibilities” is sponsored by the collaborative summer library program to help empower libraries to promote literacy, education and science through summer reading events. 

 Right now there are 50 students fifth grade and under, around 20 students sixth through eighth grade, and even around 20 adults who have made a commitment to read over the summer. Students fifth grade and under are challenged to read for 20 minutes a day, sixth through eighth grade, 40 minutes a day, and adults are asked to just keep track of each book they read. Librarian, Timbra Long, said that these numbers are an increase from last summer. 

 Each Friday, the participants turn in their reading logs, and then pick a prize from the treasure chest. Prizes include gift certificates, fidgets, candy bars, books, and more. At the end of the summer there will be a grand prize drawing for a Kindle for each age group. 

 In addition to the summer reading challenge, the library will be hosting STEM Activity days taught by Joya Hill and Summer Reading Days taught by Katie Morgan. 

 The STEM days include: June 28 – Legos and Kiva Planks, July 11 – Coding Robots, July 14 – Mixing up Science, and Aug. 2 – Water and Science. 

 The reading program days include: July 5 – Under the Sea, July 12 – Sharks, July 19 –  Beach Day, and July 26 – Walk the Plank, Matey.

 Long recently celebrated her one year anniversary as the head librarian at Weiser Public Library. She shared that she has enjoyed taking on the challenge of adding new resources and activities for all ages throughout her first year in the position. The library has gained more active membership, increased circulation, added evening and weekend hours, added events throughout the year, and added both print and digital resources under her direction and vision. Long is looking forward to continuing to add more to learn, create and do at the Weiser Public Library.