SPL kicks off summer reading program

Beginning tomorrow, Sidney Public Library (SLP) will begin its annual summer reading program aimed at children, teens and adults alike.

“It’s a Nebraska thing to have the kids, young adults and adults participate in the summer reading,” Sidney Public Library Director Andrew Sherman said.

Summer reading programs are designed to encourage elementary-aged children to keep reading during summer vacation, preventing the typical “summer slide” that comes with the break between academic years.

This year’s theme is fitness and health, and children and family activities are planned throughout June and July to keep Sidney motivated and entertained during the summer season. The programs are funded through the Friends of Sidney Public Library.

The children’s program is “On Your Mark, Get Set... Read!”

“Eileen Nightingale, our children’s librarian, put the program together,” Sherman said.

In the children’s program, readers can pick up a reading log at the library to keep track of the books they finish during the summer. Sherman said they are tasked with reading at least 10 books before the close of the program.

“Ten books and participate in two of our activities,” he said. “Those who participate and complete the program can earn $5 gift certificates to a local restaurant.”

“Get in the Game… Read!” is the teen program, and for adults, the program is called “Exercise Your Mind… Read!” Readers in these programs can fill out an entry slip for each book they read, which will be entered in a drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant.

“Children are by far our biggest participants, but we do offer something to all ages,” Sherman said.

While the theme for this year’s programs is fitness and health, Sherman said participants are welcome to read anything and everything.

“They can read whatever they want,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s a comic book, print book, audio book, if they want to our digital services and download something off of Overdrive or One Click Digital and read that, it’s all good and it all counts.”

While summer reading officially starts on Wednesday, June 1, the Sidney Public Library will hold its kick-off this Friday, June 3, with a sports-themed family movie beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the bookmobile bay.

“The Friends will provide lemonade and popcorn,” Sherman said.

Beginning next Tuesday, June 7, the library will host a “Lunch at Olympic Park” on the front lawn starting at noon where summer reading participants can bring a sack lunch and listen to stories.

Tuesday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. will feature themed crafts designed for all ages.

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting June 8 will be “Toddler Teammates,” with stories and fingerplays for children ages two and three.

Every other Wednesday afternoon, from 3 to 4 p.m. beginning June 15, will be “Olympics Day,” which will be for all ages and include a variety of stations with different fitness activities such as hula hoops, a balance beam and Frisbee toss.

Thursdays will have a rotating activity for different age groups that will feature story times along with crafts and games. Most activities will feature two sessions, typically at 10 and 11:15 a.m.

Special family activities will also be held throughout the summer reading program. On Saturday, June 18, the library will host a “Focus on the Fifties” family day from 10 a.m. to noon, with fitness activities and physical entertainment based on what was popular during the 1950’s.

On Wednesday, June 22, a magic show will be held at West Elementary School starting at 10 a.m. in place of “Toddler Teammates.”

To close out summer reading, a “Sportstacular” family day will be held Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Activities will include a movie and crafts such as designing a sports card.

“We will be adding more teen activities as well,” Sherman said.

The 2016 Summer Reading Program will be from June 1 to July 16.

The Sidney Public Library is located at 1112 12th Ave. in Sidney. Its hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.

A full, up-to-date list of summer reading activities and other events can be found in the calendar at the library’s website at sidneypubliclibrary.org.

For more information about summer reading activities, call (308) 254-3110 or email [email protected].