A Successful Summer at the Library

After nine short weeks, the Salina Public Library wrapped up a successful summer season. From prizes to parties to programs, their ultimate summer goal is to encourage the community to read. This year’s community reading goal was 15,000 books with a simple premise: read books and submit the number of books you read. The community blew the goal out of the water, finishing with 20,953 books read. Ninety lucky patrons won prizes for reading and submitting their books.

“We are ecstatic that the community far exceeded the summer reading goals of 15,000 books! Reading provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore the world and enrich their lives, but it is especially important for supporting the academic skills of our students,” said Amy Adams, Assistant Director.  “Thank you, Salina, for showing you are readers.”

Not only did the library see increased participation with the reading goal, but the summer learning packets for grades K-8 were also very popular with over 5,000 packets completed. These learning packets help students prevent the “summer slide” (learning regression) during the summer months. Each packet completed earns the child a prize ticket. Summer learning packets can still be completed and turned in to the Technology Center for a prize ticket until July 31. Prize drawings will be on August 1.

Youth Programs Coordinator Heather Mettlen shared what summer looked like for Youth Services. “Summer at the Salina Public Library is our busiest time of the year for youth services staff. This summer we have had art programs, STEM classes and read lots of books. We welcomed a Mad Scientist, a fire-twirling juggler and a musician into our programs. We handed out over 800 free lunches to the youth in our community in partnership with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. Our goal during the summer is to keep kids having fun, continuing to learn, offering a safe environment, and helping them prepare for the next school year!”
The library is looking forward to the upcoming Fall season with many new programs for all age groups. Fall calendars can be picked up in the library or viewed online here.