Summer program starts June 15 at library

Adults and kids alike will find something to love during this year's summer library program at Hartley Public Library. This year's theme is "Imagine Your Story."

Some changes will be implemented to ensure all patrons will remain safe and healthy as they enjoy reading and activities to do at home during the six-week summer program. No in-person activities or events will be held at the library.

Registration will begin on June 15 at the library or participants can register online by emailing [email protected]. Children ages 4-fourth grade can "Read to Bead" this year. Just check books out from the library, read the books, fill in your reading logs and turn them in each week at the library. You can create your own one-of-a-kind necklace or keychain with the beads you earn. Activity packets for kids will be available weekly with stories, crafts and activities to enrich your learning at home. Learn a new craft, take a closer look at a classic fairytale or even create your own stories.

Teens in grades 5-12 can participate in the teen summer reading program. Register at the library or by email and start recording your reading time to earn entries to the prize drawings. The library will have a variety of prize packs that you can enter to win, along with take-home packets with activities aimed at teens.

Adults can also take their own personal reading challenge. Readers are encouraged to set a personal goal for themselves at the beginning of the summer and critique their progress at the end. Examples include reading a book a week, trying out a category of books that are new to you, or picking a subject and reading books relating to that topic. Librarians may be able to make suggestions.

Just check books out from the library and record the title, author, date you finished the book and number of pages. If you listen to an audiobook, record the length of the book. Include your name and a phone number or email address. Turn the information in at the end of the six-week program. A prize drawing will be held.

A writing prompt will also be suggested each week in the paper and will also be posted at the library. Submit your essay, story or poem to the library using that prompt by the following Thursday. Include your name and phone number or email and your preference on whether it can be shared with others. If so, it may turn up on the library's Facebook page or exhibited at the library. There will be a prize drawing at the end of six weeks.