Area summer reading programs kick off

Public libraries across Cherokee County are blasting off for the summer as their annual summer reading programs get under way.

This year’s program theme is ‘A Universe of Stories,’ as dubbed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a “consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children, teens, and adults at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries,” according to the CSLP’s website. “The slogan “A Universe of Stories” was chosen by library professionals to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story.”

Jacksonville

Jacksonville Public Library’s summer reading program starts Monday, June 10 and will take place Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, July 3, at the library, 502 S. Jackson St., Jacksonville.

JPL’s 2019 summer reading program is open to preschoolers through young adults and adults. All children’s programs require adult supervision and all programs are free and open to the public.

“Readers of all ages will explore all things space this summer as Jacksonville Public Library presents “A Universe of Stories” during its summer library program,” JPL Children’s Services Coordinator Jamie Dorsey said in a statement provided to the Cherokeean Herald. “Activities include group games, space-related crafts, art projects, science and engineering experiments and more.

“Continuing for 2019 is our independent reader category for those who cannot attend the daily activities. Pick up a flyer at the library, visit our website www.jacksonvillelibrary.com or call us at (903) 586-7664 for more information.”

On Mondays, JPL will feature movie matinees at 2 p.m. Shows include Flight of the Navigator, Guardians of the Galaxy, Space Buddies, Lego Star Wars- The Empire Strikes Out, and Wall-E.

On Tuesdays, programs for children who have completed the second through fifth grades start at 10:30 a.m.; and programs for children who have completed the sixth grade and up start at 1:30 p.m.

On Wednesdays, programs for children ages 18 months to having completed first grade start at 10:30 a.m.; and programs for children of all ages start at 1:30 p.m.

Activities include arts and craft activities, like making glow in the dark bracelets, creating Galaxy bottles and scratch art; as well as presentations from Native America dance troupes, Boyd Sanders with Texas Parks & Wildlife; and the annual final ceremony and ice cream party.

Jacksonville Public Library is open noon to 8 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays; and 1-5 p.m., Sundays.

Rusk

Rusk Public Library kicked off its summer reading program Tuesday, June 4 with a block party at the library, 207 E. Sixth St., Rusk.

“It’s going to be a blast,” Library Director Amy Walley said. “You really don’t want to miss this year!”

Activities are set for every Tuesday through July 23.

Events scheduled include:

• June 11 – 10:30 a.m., Texas Parks & Wildlife presentation at Jim Hogg Park;

• June 18 –10:30 a.m., Kids Chopped;

• June 25 – 10:30 a.m., Outer Space Plants;

• July 2 – 10:30 a.m., Moon Walk at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., Rusk;

• July 9 – 10:30 a.m., Building with Home Depot, at the Rusk Civic Center;

• July 16 – 10:30 a.m., TJC Science Center – To the Moon and Back, at the Rusk Civic Center; and

• July 23 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Splash Pad Party at the Rusk swimming pool.

Rusk Public Library is also hosting a Summer Basic Archery Skills program from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays June 13, 20 and 27, at Jim Hogg Park. USA Archery Level II instructor and 4-H Coach Marlin Watson will be the instructor.

“If you have a child that is interested, call the library to get registered at (903) 683-5916,” Walley said. “There is limited seating and a $10 deposit to reserve your spot.”

The Rusk Public Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Alto

The Stella Hill Memorial Library in Alto will hold its annual summer reading program for children ages five to 10 from 9:30-11 a.m., July 15-18 at the library, 200 W. San Antonio St., Alto.

The library is open 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays.

Wells

Rube Session Memorial Library in Wells will hold its summer reading program at 2 p.m., every Thursday, from July 18 through Aug. 8, at the library, 298 Rusk Ave., Wells.

Programs planned include the Creature Teacher, arts and crafts and the end of program award ceremony. The library will also provide snacks to participants each day of the program.

The library in Wells is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.