Two free family concerts were held outdoors June 7 at Naftzger and Clapp Parks to officially kick off the Wichita Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet, told stories and sang songs to more than 270 attendees.
The Summer Reading Program is the library’s annual reading challenge for kids and teens. The goal is to keep minds sharp by reading a set amount of time each summer. Aside from the reading challenges, staff schedules several months of programming to enhance learning and provide safe, free and fun activities for kids and teens.
This summer, the library is still keeping COVID-19 safety in mind. After a totally virtual program in 2020 (and no in-person, Zoom storytimes, or learning activities), the staff is ecstatic to welcome families into libraries to browse for materials and participate in outdoor in-person programs, like the “Live! in the Park” concert series. Other programs, like “Monkey Tales Storytimes with Ms. Anne” and “Tanganyika Animal Ambassadors,” are also available.
While indoor meeting rooms are currently used for storage at all library locations, storytimes have been pre-recorded and are available for customers to access through the Library’s Vimeo account. Visit www.wichitalibrary.org/summerreading to sign up for access codes. Library staff is also presenting live virtual programs via Zoom all summer long, including a “Pantry STEAM” and “Teen Topics” series.
The Summer Reading Program continues until July 29.
– Sean Jones, WPC Programs VP