All-Ages Summer Reading Program Kicks Off June 16

The Foothills Library Consortium will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program with a party Monday, June 16 from 10am-noon at Forest City POPS.

The consortium has hosted a kickoff party for summer reading since 2016. During the party, families can meet librarians, play games to win prizes, and receive information about each library's summer programs and reading challenges. This year's party will also feature Little Blue Choo, which will provide free rides for both children and adults around the park, and a Kona Ice truck.

The Foothills Library Consortium consists of the six public libraries in Rutherford County--Rutherford County Library System including Haynes and Mountains Branches, Norris Public Library, Spindale Public Library, and Mooneyham Public Library. Its members often collaborate to bring free programs and services to Rutherford County citizens of all ages.

"People are always surprised to find out how many different free resources we offer at the libraries," said Amber Saint Clair, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Rutherford County Library System. "Books are still a big thing for us, of course, but there's so much more beyond that. Events like this give us an opportunity to meet members of the community who might not otherwise be familiar with our services."

The activities vary from library to library, but the common goal is to encourage children and their families to continue to learn and read over the summer months while they are away from school. Each library has its own way of rewarding participants based on the amount of time spent reading or attending library programs. The theme of this year's program is "Color Our World," focusing on creativity and expression.

There will be seven weeks of programs within the Rutherford County Library System. The programs for children include a superhero-themed dance party, a presentation from Mad Science Worldwide, a visit from the WNC Nature Center, a toy brick building competition, a music class with Marie Cole, and a performance by Shepherd Shakespeare Company. These programs will repeat at all three branches.

Teens can enjoy programs such as cupcake decorating competitions, escape rooms, and an upcycled fashion show, while adults will have a multitude of craft programs available as well as a Titanic-themed dinner party.

Children can fill out reading logs based on the amount of time spent reading and earn small prizes as well as be entered into a grand prize drawing. There are separate drawings for kids under 6, ages 6-12, and teens. Adults can partake in a paint palette-themed reading challenge, with a grand prize drawing for all who complete their palette.

"Summer is a time for kids and teens to have fun and get a break from school, but that can come at a huge loss to learning," said Mary Katherine Toney, Youth Services Librarian for Rutherford County Library System. "That 'summer slump' can leave some kids way behind their peers. Engaging youth in free, fun, and educational summer programming is just one of the ways libraries promote education and literacy in the next generation."

Regular library programming will continue throughout the summer, including cooking demonstrations, teen Dungeons & Dragons, Crochet Club, True Crime Club, book clubs, preschool story time, bilingual story time, and musical story time. For Rutherford County Library System's full calendar, visit www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org, or call 828-287-6115.

The Summer Reading Program at Mooneyham Public Library in Forest City is designed for kids of preschool age through 12th grade. Mooneyham's summer reading programs include squeegee painting, a pool noodle gecko craft, bubble prints, a bracelet craft, woven bookmarks, rock cactus gardens, a kids' sip and paint, and an end of summer party. They're also bringing back Tiny Tot Tuesdays, a special story time for babies and toddlers aged zero to three-years old.

"This year, in addition to our usual summer programs for preschool and elementary age children, we are excited to offer programs for middle and high school students as well," said Denise Strickland, library coordinator for Mooneyham Public Library. "We are looking forward to learning, creating, and having lots of fun this summer!"

Mooneyham will also offer reading logs for children and teens, which can be filled out based on the number of minutes spent reading. Participants earn small prizes for reaching certain milestones. A completed log earns the participant a certificate, a raffle entry for a book giveaway, and a ticket for free food and beverage at the library's end of summer party.

"We are also thankful to be partnering with the Forest City Owls baseball team for a story time program and their generous donation of prizes for our Summer Reading Challenge," said Strickland. Players from Forest City Owls will participate in four special all-ages story times at Mooneyham Public Library in June.

Mooneyham Public Library is also adding two community art projects to its summer programming. Children can paint a rock and add it to the library rock snake, William Snakespeare, and participants of all ages can take home a blank puzzle piece and decorate it before adding it to the community puzzle board, to go on display in the children's room upon completion. For more information about the programs at Mooneyham Public Library, please visit them on Facebook and Instagram or call them at 828-248-5224.

Norris Public Library in Rutherfordton will be offering a variety of programs, including a printmaking class, a pottery class, an African drum circle presentation, and a paint and sip. Adults and teens can also enjoy a hack-a-painting class, and babies have their own musical story time with Wild Roots Fine Arts. They'll wrap things up with an end-of-summer party featuring B-Rad the Magician.

Kids 12 and under will be challenged to read by filling out a reading log, earning a small prize for every 100 minutes read. A completed log of 600 minutes earns an entry into a grand prize drawing, with multiple logs allowed. Norris Public Library will also award first, second, and third place prizes for the most minutes read overall.

For a full schedule, visit www.norrispubliclibrary.org or call 828-287-3520.

At Spindale Public Library, kids can enjoy a presentation from Schiele Museum, a visit from storyteller Sharon Clarke, a presentation about animals from Chimney Rock Park, an art day, and end of summer party with Twist the Balloon Man. Children can also fill out reading logs based on the amount of time they spend reading. Each child who turns in a reading log will receive a goodie bag at the end of summer party. For Spindale Public Library's full calendar, visit their Facebook page or call 828-286-3879.

"Summer reading programs at the library provide a wonderful opportunity for families to integrate fun, friendship, and family time into their summer routine," said Tamara Price, Branch Manager for Haynes Branch Library. "From crafts to puzzles and animals to music, there's something for everyone of any age to enjoy."

Participants can choose to sign up for one or all of the libraries' programs and reading logs. Many programs require pre-registration, so contact the hosting library for more info.