Numbers up for summer reading at public library

  • The big bouncy slide was a big hit at the June 5 kickoff to the summer reading program at the Jones County Library. CONTRIBUTED
    The big bouncy slide was a big hit at the June 5 kickoff to the summer reading program at the Jones County Library. CONTRIBUTED
  • Bubbles big and small were enjoyed by youngsters as one of the many activities happening at the kickoff event. CONTRIBUTED
    Bubbles big and small were enjoyed by youngsters as one of the many activities happening at the kickoff event. CONTRIBUTED
  • The popular Wednesday morning Wiggleworm program will resume Aug. 7 at the conclusion of the summer reading program. CONTRIBUTED
    The popular Wednesday morning Wiggleworm program will resume Aug. 7 at the conclusion of the summer reading program. CONTRIBUTED

    Jones County’s summer reading program was at the top of the region in 2023 and is on track to exceed those numbers this year.

    The summer reading program had its kickoff at the Jones County Library June 5 with an outdoor event that included games, bubbles, slides and popsicles. The reading program will continue through July 30 with reading lists in conjunction with the Jones County School System.

    Participants in the reading program earn points and prizes for books read weekly.

    Each week of the program will feature a different adventure at the library, starting with Animal Adventure week beginning June 10 that includes a June 12 animal show.

    Space Adventure Week begins June 17 and will start with a visit from the Georgia College & State University Star Lab and NASA Education Specialist Steven Smith. Ocean Adventure Week begins June 24, and the program continues through the month of July.

    Branch Manager Julie King said Jones County had 1,013 summer reading participants at the end of the program last year, and as of Friday, more than 800 have signed up this year. That number is significant because the number of readers signed up this time last year was just over 100.

    But the reading program is not about the numbers.

    “Our desire for these kids is to influence them so they will love to read and continue to come to the library, heighten their curiosity while being on fun adventures, and using their skills that they learned from the classroom,” she said.

    The interior of the library has been decorated by staff members with every upcoming adventure featured in a different section of the building, beginning with a forest at the entrance.

    Other library events will continue throughout the summer reading program that include movie matinees June 14 and 21, teen craft day June 20, Father’s Day game day June 15, the adult book club June 27 and a June 29 teen program.

    July adventure weeks and other library activities will be available on the library Facebook page.

    Summer reading program signups are taking place at the library daily.

    The Jones County Library is located is located at 146 Railroad Street in Gray. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

    More information can be found on the Jones County Library Facebook page that is updated daily or by calling 478-986-6626.