Local libraries kick off summer reading programs

By Jazmine Knight

St. Joseph kids are out of school for the summer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work on their reading skills while having fun.

Without reading and working on their skills, students can fall behind and struggle when they return to class.

Luckily, the Rolling Hills Library and the St. Joseph Public Library have officially kicked off their summer reading programs for kids of all ages.

During the course of the summer reading program, participants can enjoy performances every Tuesday and Wednesday in June at all of their branches. Entertainers include Animal Ambassadors with Exotics R US, science experiments with Mad Science, Aspen the Black Singing Cowgirl and Adventures in Outer Space with Dino O’Dell.

Throughout their program, participants will be working toward creating their own charm bracelet.

“For every four hours they read, they come in and they get a bracelet, and then they get to pick out charms,” said Crystal Stuck, St. Joseph Public Library’s outreach librarian.

There are also additional prizes for babies and toddlers, such as puzzles and baby books and alternative prizes for teens.

Stuck said this program has been running ever since she was a child. Her favorite part is seeing the kids excited to read.

“The summer reading program is an incentive to get kids to come to the library, learn about the library, check out books and get prizes while they read,” she said.

The Rolling Hills Library also has its own summer reading program. This program is open to kids and adults and it doesn’t just include reading.

“People can read 10 books or do a combination of 10 books and activities,” said Kelly Morris, Belt branch manager for Rolling Hills Library. “The activities are things like going for a swim, riding a bike, things like that. A lot of outdoor fun types of things.”

Participants can track their progress online and then exchange it for prizes using a Plinko board.

“Right now we’ve got some Mustangs tickets on there, free doughnuts coupons from Big Sky, rubber ducks. We have library wristbands, color change erasers, just all kinds of fun things,” Morris said. “They also get a free book when they complete the program.”

Morris said about a couple thousand people participate every year, and it is the fun prizes that keeps bringing people back.

“Everyone likes a challenge. And you might as well get a prize for reading. You know, reading itself is fun, but getting prizes for doing it is even better,” Morris said.

To sign up for the Rolling Hills Library’s summer reading program, you can visit one or its branches or sign up using the Beanstalk app.

The St. Joseph Public Library’s summer reading program is designed for children ages 0 through 17. For more information, visit its website at https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/.

Programs run through July 31.