Summer reading program draws near

As summer weather begins to make its appearance, the Gibson Memorial Library is preparing for a season full of fun.

Running from Saturday, May 30 through Friday, July 31, the summer reading program works to promote literacy and the joy a library can bring to all ages. This year’s theme is “Plant A Seed, Read.”

The season-long event starts with a kickoff party Saturday, May 30 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Like last year, a foam party will be held part-way through at 12 p.m. New this year will be glitter tattoo artists.

Alongside the kickoff, the library has a handful of events, performers and activities scheduled. At 10 a.m. every Wednesday in June, a different children’s entertainer will perform in the library pavilion.

Performers include the a circus variety show on June 3, Magician Jonathon Jay on June 10, Spock’s Sanctuary on June 17 and Beatbox 101 with Skippy on June 24. The United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall will hold events if there is rain or high heat.

Family events include a “Good Egg Adoption” on Monday, June 8 from 4-6 p.m., seed mosaic art on Wednesday, July 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., a library escape room on Wednesday, July 8 from 3-6 p.m. and an I-Cubs game in Des Moines for youth program finishers on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 1:08 p.m.

Activities for kids and tweens will run at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and for teens at 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Adults will have a different come-and-go activity each week, as well as a lunchtime concert series every Wednesday in July from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring live music and food trucks.

The library will also have summer reading logs for both adults and children. All logs must be turned in by July 31.