The Salina Public Library will be busy this summer with free activities and events for all ages. “Summer at the Library” schedules are now available online or at the library.
The library wants to keep minds active with its Summer Reading Program. This annual celebration of reading helps to prevent the “summer slide” — which happens when students lose up to two months of learned reading skills if they don’t read over the summer. The library will use incentives like games, prizes and end-of-summer parties to keep readers, from babies through adults, motivated. Sign up for Summer Reading begins May 20 and can be completed at the library, 301 W. Elm, or online at SalinaPublicLibrary.org.
Another effort to fight “summer slide” will be Summer Learning: Reading & Math classes. These personalized computer sessions utilize the educational program MobyMax and are supervised by a state-certified elementary teacher. The classes are for ages 6-11. Students who cannot make the classes can also complete reading and math worksheets. Packets can be picked up in the library’s Technology Center. All students who complete a class or learning worksheet can enter to win prizes like an Amazon Fire Tablet, Snap Electronics Kits and Bluetooth speakers. Registration for the first 4-day session will begin May 30 at the library or online. Space is limited.
The library also will offer a variety of activities and programs over the summer. In Youth Services, there will be children’s entertainers, storytimes, Toddler Art, Yoga for Kids, and arts and crafts. Children ages 5-12 can attend Minecraft Play Sessions and those 7 and older can compete in video game tournaments. The library’s technology trainer will offer a variety of technology classes for children and teens, including green screen production, keyboarding, soldering and salt water fuel cell cars.
There will be movie screenings for all ages to enjoy. For adults, author Ann Parr will speak about her book “Coach Tex Winter: Triangle Basketball” at 6:30 p.m. June 21, and author and historian Phil Dixon will give the presentation “Kansas City Monarchs in Our Hometown” at 7 p.m. June 23.
More information can be found in the “Summer at the Library” schedule, which can be found at the library or online, or by calling the library at 785-825-4624.