Library staff looking forward to Summer Reading Program

White County Public Library is preparing to kick off its annual Summer Reading Program, on June 10, with many familiar activities and some newly-added features that are sure to please all children.

“Tails and Tales” is the theme of this year’s program. Join White County Public Library at Sparta First Baptist Church pavilion at 308 N. Spring St., in Sparta. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Masks are appreciated.

The events are 10 a.m. on the following dates:

• June 10-Mr. Bond Science Show followed by a free lunch
• June 17-Drive-thru free lunch and books at the pavilion
• June 24-Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers followed by a free lunch
• July 1-Drive-thru free lunch and books at the pavilion
• July 8-Animalogy followed by a free lunch
• July 15-Drive-thru lunch and books at the pavilion

The grand finale will be 7:30 p.m., July 15, at Sparta Drive-In.

“We are all thrilled to be able to have in-person programming this summer,” Dana Gorter, Children’s Librarian, said. “We have lots of fun events planned for all ages, but I am most looking forward to seeing the children and the families. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone and meet the new families that have recently come to our community. We’ve been encouraged by the continued support we’ve received from our amazing sponsors and community partners.  Thank you.  We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

In addition, there is an Adult Summer Reading Program and a Teen Summer Reading Program.

Adult Summer Reading program schedule:

• June 11-Weekly prize drawings begin (Do not have to be present to win)
• June 12-Quilt “Show and Tail” videos begin (weekly through July 17)
• July 22-Adult Program’s “Night at the Movies” at Sparta Drive-In
• July 23-Grand prize drawing (Do not have to be present to win)

“All you need to do to enter the Adult program is to read a book,” Jimmy Graham, Adult Services Librarian, said. “We have a business card size paper you fill out telling us what you read.  We drop it in the entry box, and you could win weekly prizes or even the grand prize.  We have virtual storytelling on Facebook, and this year we’ll add a featured stop for the stories of quilts.  Our big party will be July 22, at the Sparta Drive-In.  We are showing Steel Magnolias, having a Magnolia Party, and you are all invited to attend.”

Teen Summer Reading Program:

• June 15-How to fracture a fairy tale (writing activity)
• June 29-Breakout box
• July 13-Finale/prize drawing
• July 15-Drive-In movie night at 7:30 p.m.

“We are so excited to be doing an in-person summer program after such an exhausting school year,” Julie Randolph, Teen Services Library, said. “I’m definitely ready to see my teen crowd again, especially when so many of them are willing to volunteer to help us get it all running. We need this as much as the patrons do.”

The pre-school and children’s prizes are given based on Bingo entry forms.  The forms are available at the library.  They involve fun things, like reading a book with an animal on the front, reading a book with your friend, and other things similar to those activities.

According to Cathy Farley, director of White County Public Library, the teen and adult entries are very straightforward – read a book, provide the book title, name of participant, and some contact information. The books can be in any format: eBooks, audiobooks, regular books, large print, etc.  The books that are read do not have to come from the library, but entries must be submitted in person. In addition to the grand prizes for each age group, there will be other prizes that are given by random drawings. 

Sponsors for the summer reading programs to-date are Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Friends of the White County Library, Sparta Drive In and many private donors.

For more information, call the library at (931) 836-3613.