Every year at this time I gratefully acknowledge the tell-tale signs that summer is almost here, at long last. Vase after vase of lilacs have filled our little cottage with sweet clusters of lavender with the very fragrance of spring itself. The last batch of morel mushrooms has been stalked, found, cooked and savored, bite after earthy bite. The contents of desks, cubbies and lockers are being purged and crammed into waiting backpacks and empty boxes. Another school year is ending. Another summer is about to begin.
As a child, I reveled in the exhilarating sense of complete freedom that came as the final school bell sounded. As I walked (ok, ran) out of my classroom, I saw summer stretched before me like an endless vast prairie of possibilities. And for me, the grandest possibility always centered around reading. So many books and so many places to read them. The possibilities were endless. Read a mystery in my bedroom, a joke book in our tree house, a biography in the cool basement or a tear jerker on a blanket in the warm sun. I’d found heaven and it was called summer reading (lower case letters!).
Fast forward many years and I find myself with that same feeling of exhilaration of endless possibilities, but now with capital letters - SUMMER READING! And those possibilities are waiting for you and yours at Neill Public Library!
Officially, it all starts on June 9; the first day kids can sign up for all the fun that will be taking place this summer. So if you know anyone between the ages of 1 day old and 17 years old, we’re ready for them! They can sign up and get a booklet with all the Summer Reading details including information on how to win our $200+ grand prize of local merchant coupons, gift certificates and yes, great books from the Friends of Neill Library.
The Friends provide the financial backing for Summer Reading, making sure everyone has a great time and gets books to keep! Yes, they're giving away hundreds of books again this summer. All you have to do is sign up, read or have someone read to you and then choose free your books! And as teens read, they can get a Brused Book certificate and be eligible to win an iPod shuffle. Amazing!
And the amazement doesn’t end there. The Friends are also bringing in first class performers including a magician, a comedic juggler and yes, Victor Johnson. Victor is back again this summer to entertain the whole family at Reaney Park on the evening of July 28. With his great music and free ice cream for the kids - it’s a night of summer magic and fun for the whole family.
And in the meantime check out our free, fun programs for kids of all ages each week. And don’t forget to join guest readers including our very own Mayor Johnson and members of the Pullman Fire and Police Department. Could it get any better?
Well, actually it can and does because this year Adult Services Librarian Cheryl Brinkley is rolling out “Novel Destinations” - a fun summer reading program tailor made for adults! Now, how’s that for great possibilities with great books and fun prizes for one and all?
So, on behalf of everyone at Neill Public Library and the Friends of Neill Library, we invite you explore and enjoy all of the possibilities this summer. Where else can you kick back, read, see great shows, meet new friends and savor the long, sweet days of summer? We hope to see you and yours very soon! Happy Summer Reading!
by Kathleen Ahern, Children's Librarianpublished 6-5-11 in Moscow Pullman Daily News
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