Summer Fun at the Library

As a parent, I understand the challenge of keeping kids busy during the summer. Finding fun activities was a challenge at best. The dreaded "I'm bored" made my head spin and made me count the days until school started again.

It doesn't have to be that way...thanks to your public library. The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children, teens, and adults at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries. By combining resources and working with an exclusive contracted vendor to produce materials designed for CSLP members, public libraries in participating states or systems can purchase posters, reading logs, bookmarks, certificates, and a variety of reading incentives at significant savings. It really proves the power of collaborative partnerships and library patrons are the ones who benefit.

Most libraries have something for all ages during the summer months. I've recently been traveling the state to check out some of these great Summer Library Program offerings. 

Baby Yoga at the Madison Public Library

 

These little ones had a wonderful time that day listening to stories about yoga and the importance of staying fit and healthy. They were able to spend time with their moms, aunts, grandmothers, or caregivers in a fun, relaxed environment. What a great idea!

Duct Tape Designs at the Warren County - Vicksburg Public Library

  

I had heard of folks doing creative things with duct tape, and it was great to see the kids who participated having so much fun with this! They were able to make a bookmark or beads to create a necklace. The library had lots of volunteers to help and everyone had a great time.

Summer Library Program Kickoff with Superheros at the 

Laurel - Jones County Public Library

 

Talk about an amazing Summer Library Program kickoff event! Having three superheros jump from a plane and land in front of the library was quite a sight to see. The children were so excited to meet all of the heroes up-close-and-personal. It made for a great beginning for Laurel's Summer Library Program.

Puppet Show at the Florence Public Library

What child doesn't love a fun puppet show?  This library knows just how to make them fun and exciting for the kids. I was even dancing and singing along to the upbeat tunes. The stories were so cute and it was a great way to spend an afternoon at the library.

 "Unbuild It" at the Batesville Library

This program was so cool! The children were able to actually "unbuild" computers, computer screens, and tape decks. They even had activities for the smaller kids, who were able to build with Legos and Duplos. What a fun day at the Batesville Library!

Colorcopia - Art Classes for Adults at the Southaven Public Library

Adults from the Southaven area recently had the opportunity to channel their inner Picasso! John Martin Barger, a teaching artist with the Dixon Gallery & Gardens in Memphis, taught the group how to do collage cubism. Those in attendance had a wonderful time and came away with some true masterpieces!

All of these stories will be combined into a short documentary film about the value of Summer Library Programs in Mississippi. Be sure to watch for it to be released in early 2018! Thank you to all of the libraries who invited us to come and be a part of your fun programs. Great job!