Springing Into Summer

Spring on the Palouse.  There is nothing like it, is there? In our family, the first sign of spring is seeing the rolling hills transform into lush emerald-ness. Once the green surrounds us, my sweet hubbie and I know it’s time to gather our mesh bags, don hiking boots and head out for some morel mushroom hunting.  And then, as a dear friend said to me today at the library, it’s also time to “get our bare feet in the soil and do some planting” – always a tender reminder of life’s nourishing gifts.  

Outside of work, spring is all about hills, mushrooms and gardening, but at the library, it’s all about the Summer Reading Program for children, teens and families. The initial planning started in the depths of winter, but spring means we’re ready, set and (almost ready) to go! So, buckle up, buttercups, it’s about to unfold.

Friday, June 14 is the first day of registration for youth of all ages (newborns to seventeen-year-olds). And thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Neill Public Library, we are able to offer amazing shows by a variety of professional performers. Puppeteers? Magician? Clowns? We’ve got ‘em and so much more! Also on tap are weekly programs for little ones from birth to twenty-four months, storytimes for Toddlers and Preschoolers, S.T.E.A.M. programs for elementary kiddos as well as fun for teens and tweens with a renowned anime artist, pizza and game night, virtual reality and a robotics demonstration.  Whew!

And if that’s not enough, our Mayor, City Supervisor, and members of our Fire and Police Departments will be our returning guest readers – each a crowd hit!  Also, the Friends of Neill Public Library have purchased thousands of paperback books to give away again this summer while teens can enter to win a Kindle Paperwhite. Local businesses have generously donated gift cards and coupons we will give away each week throughout the summer.  And … there is no cost to join us for Summer Reading! Wow!  

Of course, we will also celebrate with our annual Summer Reading Program finale. We hope you and yours will join us at Reaney Park on Thursday, July 25 from 6-8 pm. We’ll have a variety of carnival style games, a bouncy house, snow cones and great door prizes! Mama and Papa Berenstain Bear along with beloved book character Corduroy will be on hand for photo ops.  And we thank in advance the teen volunteers who will help us make it a fun time for one and all.  

So, all of us at the library are (almost!) ready for summer. How about you? 

Should you have questions about the library’s summer fun or anything else, stop by, give us a call or send us an email. We are here to help you - in every season of the year.

By Kathleen Ahern

Youth Services Librarian