Bryan-Bennett Library’s Summer Reading Program begins June 1 and will take local readers “Beyond the Beaten Path.”
The theme observed by libraries all over Illinois in the summer of 2022 is designed to prompt readers to explore new territories and ideas.
Bryan-Bennett readers will once again take part in a challenge, wherein they receive a token for each book checked out. The tokens can be used as their admittance to special activities. They may also opt to keep the tokens on a necklace or key chain provided by the Library. The activities include: making a solar oven and receiving ingredients to make a s’more in that oven; a bicycle safety class that will include creating a first aid kit to carry on rides; a knot-making class; and a treasure hunt.
This year’s summer reading program also includes activities for all ages, regardless of whether they’ve read a book or not.
Crafter afternoons every other Thursday, beginning June 16, is open to everyone. You do not have to read a book or have a Library card to participate in these events. Crafts will include finger knitting, kite making, rock painting, and fashioning pony bead/paracord creations.
Program Director Karen Shanafelt will be adding a few more kits to the Bryan-Bennett Maker Stations. These are crafts that people of all ages enjoy doing independently, at their own convenience. These activities must be done at the Library. Four Maker Kits are available in June. They are: creating paper airplanes, constructing a DNA model, constructing a sturdy model bridge, and creating cell phone speakers. July Maker kits will include crafting: rubber band planets, a dazzling kaleidoscope, a balloon rocket car, and a dancing snake. After a project is completed, the patron is free to take it home. All of the crafts are designed with the STEAM fundamentals in mind and can be fun for all ages.
The Maker Station and Crafter afternoon activities are open to all visiting the Library. Those interested in participating do not need to pay a fee or have a Library card.
The Library will also continue its Story Times on Fridays at 10 a.m. The storytimes are designed for children age 5 and younger.
An appearance by Mad Science of St. Louis on June 9 at 1 p.m. is sure to be a hit with everyone. This year’s program is “Walking on the Moon” and will answer such questions as: what is it like to walk in space and how powerful is a rocket. This show is presented free of charge and will be held in the large meeting room. It is open to all ages.
For more information about these activities and more opportunities for fun and education, contact Bryan-Bennett Library at 548-3006 or stop by the Library at 315 South Maple.
