Weiser library makes Mondays fun in July

Volunteer Katie Morgan asked the 30 or so kids gathered around her during an outdoor reading session at Memorial Park on Monday afternoon to make the sounds of a siren and a horn.
 Morgan, who directs the Weiser library’s summer reading program, read from a book about fire engines and machinery. Nearby, a real fire engine from Weiser Fire and Rescue was parked, along with a backhoe from the city street department.
 The kids promptly responded with the sound effects of “honk” and “waaaaa” and “whirrrrr.”
 Every Monday at Memorial Park through the month of July, the library sponsors an informative and entertaining program for children ages 5-10. The library’s session at 12:30 p.m. follows the free lunch provided during the summer months by the Weiser School District.
 The library’s program on Monday included reading books, a tour of the fire engine and a city backhoe, and a craft project that incorporated some STEM knowledge. The hands-on exercise for the kids used toothpicks and  marshamallows to build a structure that could hold the weight of a book off the table.
 “We were kind of focusing on building and engineering and a little STEM thrown in there,” Morgan said.
 Last week, the kids learned all about bees and honey. Local beekeeper Patti Matthews brought a hive to the park and discussed the different types of bees, how they make honey and how it is harvested.
 As a craft project, kids made planters to take home out of egg cartons, dirt and wildflower seeds. They also did bee art.
 Next Monday, the library program at the park will feature the fascinating Reptile Adventures from Nampa, which will bring some critters to show kids.
 Library director Pat Hamilton said the library has done the summer programs for at least 20 years. The library provides a budget for craft supplies and turns it over to Morgan to come up with the activities.
 “She organizes the whole thing. She’s good,” Hamilton said.
 Morgan started out leading a reading session five years ago, replacing someone who left, and then developed it into a summer reading program.
 She works as a paraprofessional at a local school and is a big promoter of childhood literacy.
 Moms also help out with the program. There usually is a craft project for younger kids and one for the older kids. The kids also got to take home a free book that was handed out at the end of the program.
 The summer program used to be held at the library, but there were too many kids and it got a bit crowded indoors. So it was moved to Memorial Park just west of the tennis courts in a shady location where lunch is also served.
 Megan Courter brings her daughter, Gwen, 6, to the Monday library programs.
 “It gives us something fun to do during July,” Megan said.
 There are three more programs planned for the next three Mondays in July.
 The free lunch for kids is served Monday through Friday. It starts at 11:15 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. The library program follows from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. only on Mondays.