In spite of funding woes at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library, the summer reading program will continue this summer.
To register for the program stop by the library, located on Goodyear Boulevard in Picayune, and fill out the proper forms located at the signup table. The table was set up this week. Registration ends on June 5.
The program caters to two age groups and begins the second week of June.
For children between the ages of 3 and 6, the program will be held each Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. This age group will be treated to a story hour, said head librarian Carol Phares. On June 12 participants will hear the story of “Scarlet the Cat”, on June 19 the story of “Binti Jua the Gorilla” will be featured, on June 26 the story will be “The Dog who Rescues Cats,” on July 10 the story of “Lulu the Pot Bellied Pig” will be told and finally on July 17 children will hear the story of “Willie”, the Parrot who saved a girl.
Children attending second through sixth grade can attend the Tuesday afternoon programs, which will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. from June 9 to July 14. Each Tuesday in the six weeks of the program will have its own theme. The first theme on June 9 will be Freedom Ranch where a woman who rescues and rehabilitates animals will speak to the children. Each Tuesday thereafter will feature in order Smokey the Bear, The Wild Cat visits the library, Natural Museum of Science, Being a Hero in your Community (MDOT) and Every Day Heroes.
Phares said the events will give parents an opportunity to provide their child with an activity during the summer. If a child has special needs the library staff asks that the parent remain with that child while attending the program.
Library staff have dealt with many cuts to funding over the years. But a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation has helped keep the program afloat, Phares said.
She invites everyone in the community to stop by the library and see the display in the lobby, which has a superhero theme.
One of the objectives students participating in the reading program will be tasked with entails reading for up to 15 hours.
For each milestone a child reaches, they will be presented with a special prize, Phares said.
Just like with any skill, Phares said, reading takes practice to master. So, the aim of the program is to entice children to keep reading during the summer months.
Phares is looking for community assistance to help the library hold the program.
She would like to be able to buy or have craft supplies donated, and needs money to buy snacks for the children and teenage volunteers, and money to pay the presenter who will bring animals for display during the Freedom Ranch.
Phares can be reached by calling the library at 607-798-5081.