Reading Adventures at the Jarrell Library

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Susan Gregurek

This year’s national Summer Reading Program theme, Adventures in the Library, is fitting for the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center. “The kids always want to check out animal books, space books, dragon books,” Library Director Susan Gregurek says. She is excited to bring all kinds of adventures to the library for its fourth annual summer reading program, from nature and space activities to fun with dinosaurs and dragons.

The library has been going through its own adventure – outgrowing its space and moving part of this year’s events to the JISD Annex. “It has been exciting to witness the growth and participation in the library programs,” Susan says. The program’s goal, however, remains the same – instilling a love of reading and maintaining reading levels throughout the summer. “Community members of all ages love to participate in the Beanstack app challenges, which challenge individuals to meet and exceed their [reading] goals and win exciting prizes, coupons, gift cards, and tickets for large gift baskets.” The more one reads, Susan says, the more opportunities they have to win prizes sponsored by area businesses.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM SCHEDULE

• June 11-21: Adventures in Nature

• June 24-28 and July 9-12: Adventures in Space

• July 16-26: Adventures in Time, Dinosaurs and Dragons

• June 3-7: STEM Forged Video Game Development Camp at 3 - 5:30 pm with tech teacher Michael Griffith. Class is limited to 20 participants. Registration is $125 and financial assistance is available through the library. Jarrell Middle School, 502 N 5th St

• June 4-8: During Community Health Week, the library will offer information, demonstrations, and healthy food choices. Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, 113 Limestone Terrace

• June 8: The library will host a Jarrell Community Health Fair with information booths and giveaways, and several community vans and buses such as We Are Blood, St. David’s Dental bus, The WIC bus, and more. Library, 113 Limestone Terrace

• June 15: Visitors can interact with recycling and garbage trucks and meet the drivers during Touch A Truck Day 10am-noon, with a special story time at 10:30 with a guest from Al Clawson Disposal, Inc. (ACDI). Library, 113 Limestone Terrace

• Tuesdays: Storytime and activities 10:15 - 11:15am for ages 3-5, and 11:45am - 12:45pm for grades K-2.

• Wednesdays: Activities and crafts 3 – 5pm for grades 6-12. Library, 113 Limestone Terrace

• Thursdays: Storytime and crafts 10:15 – 11:15am for ages 0-2, and 11:45am – 12:45pm for grades 3-5.

• JISD Annex, 108 E Avenue F

• Fridays: Bilingual Storytime for all ages 10:30 – 11:30am. Library, 113 Limestone Terrace

All events except the video game camp are free with no registration required. For events at the JISD Annex, a bus will be available to pick up participants from the library and bring them back to the library. Children younger than 9 need to be accompanied by a guardian, and children 9 and older may participate with a parent permission form and waiver, although parents are welcome to join.

Teen and adult volunteers are also welcome to help lead summer reading events. Those interested in volunteering can fill out a volunteer application at the library.