The Library Center of the Ozarks, formerly the Taneyhills Library, is gearing up for a fun and exciting Summer Reading Program for children, teens and adults.
The Library has expanded their traditional summer reading program to a full two months this year, the months of June and July. Also new this year will be the introduction of performers and programs from throughout the community who will delight, entertain and educate the children every other week during the Summer Reading Program.
Programs will include a performance by Marty the Magician, a morning with the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, and a program by the Butterfly Palace, among others.
"On the weeks where there is no performer, there will be a craft, STEM area and a Sensory Bin area," explained Jennifer Harmon, Library Center of the Ozarks Manager.
Another change in this year's program is how prize winners are determined. Said Harmon, "Summer reading prizes will be earned by achieving reading goals. For every 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of reading, there will be a prize. People do not have to check in on a weekly basis. They can come in as the goals are met, or come in after several goals are met and still earn the designated prizes."
Harmon explained that the Summer Reading Program is a tremendous boost for children.
"It helps with the 'Summer Slide,'" said Harmon. "Kids during the summer months tend to fall back in certain academic areas, so participating in a summer reading program helps keep this from happening too drastically. Plus, when reading milestones are met, everyone earns prizes!"
Traditionally geared towards children, the library added a Summer Reading Program for teens and adults last year, which will continue this summer.
Said Harmon, "The teen and adult program went well. We had about 200 teens and adults sign up for the program and enjoyed being able to participate."
The theme for this year's Summer Reading Program is Adventure Begins at the Library. Summer Reading events will be held each Monday, from June 1 through July 31, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Registration begins in May. To register for the Library Center of the Ozarks Summer Reading Program, call the library at 417-334-1518 or visit their website, taneyhillscommunitylibrary.org. There is no charge for the Summer Reading Program.
"Support your library by signing up and participating in all the wonderful, free programs the library has to offer," said Harmon.