Summer Reading

  • Summer reading activities included a dinosaur program that was both educational and fun presented by Bright Star Theatre last week. CONTRIBUTED
    Summer reading activities included a dinosaur program that was both educational and fun presented by Bright Star Theatre last week. CONTRIBUTED
  • The NASA guy, Steven Smith, gives a virtual tour of Space Center Houston. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/ Staff
    The NASA guy, Steven Smith, gives a virtual tour of Space Center Houston. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/ Staff

    The summer reading program at the Jones County Library begins its second half with excitement for another month of fun and learning ahead.

    The theme of this year’s program is “Unearth A Story” about dinosaurs, and Branch Manger Julie King said the library has been turned into a dinosaur wonderland. Once again Jones County is leading the way with 2,149 patrons signed up for summer reading with 520 active readers.

    King added that 114 of them have already completed their 25 hours of reading.

    “We are so thankful that the Board of Education has partnered with the library to connect each student’s Beanstack account at school with their Beanstack account at the library. This means all the kids who log in for their library summer reading challenge will get their reading credit for their school,” she said.

    The programs that have already been presented include Georgia College and State University Natural History, a virtual guided tour by Steven Smith,program facilitation specialist fromSpace Center Houston of highlights of the space center, Jones County Arts Children’s Theatre cast members of Shrek Jr. and the Bright Star Puppet Theatre Company. That is addition to the numerous weekly events at the library such as movie days, teen crafternoons, Wiggle Worms, Mahjong, and adult art classes.

    The manager said this month there will be a 250th America Birthday Party with Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Smokey the Bear, Pete the Cat with a huge birthday cake and birthday party.

    “We will have our 0-4-year-old Growing Greyhounds event with Pete the Cat and Curious George, Matthew Forrest from GCSU Art Department doing screen painting,” she said.

    King added that July’s Brunch Buddies will feature Mark Smith and other local veterans who will share their experiences defending the United States.

    “We have been so thrilled with the response this year,” she said.“We have seen many new faces along with our loyal patrons.”

    The manager said prizes for this year’s summer reading were donated by Joy Carr with Family Connection and Shana Backus with Operation Early Intervention.

    “These have been a wonderful incentive to get the children to read and stay engaged during the summer. The Jones County Public Library is the place to be during the long, hot summer months.”