Schae Richards, community editor
Libraries across Cache Valley are gearing up for summer reading with the theme, “Libraries Rock.”
Paul Daybell, associate director for the North Logan City Library, said the purpose of summer reading is to keep kids engaged and learning during the summer months.
“We try to fill that gap when kids are out of school,” he said. “Library programs keep kids engaged and help them love reading.”
When choosing books to read, Paul said it’s important for parents to let their kids pick their own. He said this will help them develop a love for reading and life-long learning.
“We strongly feel that if they develop that love, they will be that much more engaged in learning,” he said.
He said letting kids explore their interests and finding interactive ways to make reading fun will also help them acquire a love for reading.
“It’s letting them explore what they want and finding what interests they have,” he said. “It’s making reading fun, not a chore.”
Paul encourages parents to utilize their local library’s resources and to check out other libraries as well to see what they have to offer.
“There are great libraries across the Valley,” he said. “A library’s resources and programs are open to everyone.”
A library is no longer just a place for books. There are other resources that libraries offer that families can utilize.
“The biggest part is getting people through the door and helping them realize what we offer,” Paul said. “They can engage in a lot of programs where we can bring them in and get them excited.”
So, check out your local library and get your kids excited for summer reading:
Hyrum City Library
(435) 245-6411
hyrumlibrary.com
Story times and crafts, teen maker days, teen writing and art contests, concerts in the park, game days, and family movies days.
The Hyrum City Library Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be held June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyrum City Square. The event will feature the Stitch Riley Band, bounce houses, a rock wall, and kettle korn popcorn. All ages are welcome to participate.
Sign-ups begin June 4 at the library, or you can sign up at the party. Last day to sign-up will be June 30. The last day to earn a ticket and enter to win the grand prize is July 26.
Logan City Library
(435) 716-9123
library.loganutah.org
From the first week in June to the last week in July, join the Logan Library for drop-in English-language story time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Spanish-language story time on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m., Portuguese-language story time on Thursdays at 11 a.m., and STEAM activities on Thursdays at 2 p.m.
Rread books and earn prizes all summer! Teen and adult summer reading programs also available.
North Logan City Library
(435) 755-7169
northloganlibrary.org
Summer reading activities include June 13 – Dazzle Dogs at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; June 20 – Scales and Tails at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; June 27 – Mike the Magician at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; July 11 – Water Party at 11 a.m.; July 20 – Rocky Mountain Puppets at 6:30 p.m.; and July 25 – Eric Herman Concert at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
There is a toddler story time at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, a preschool story time at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, and a Spanish story time on Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.
The North Logan City Library Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be held June 5 at 4 p.m. at the library.
Richmond Public Library
(435) 258-5525
richmondlibrary.us
The Richmond Public Library Summer Reading Program includes all ages, from babies to adults, and includes prize drawings. There will be baby story times during the summer. Register ahead of time at the library, or at the kick-off party June 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Smithfield Public Library
(435) 563-3555
smithfieldcity.org/city-government/departments/library
The Smithfield Public Library Summer Reading Program is for all ages (infants, toddlers, elementary students, teens, and adults). Summer story times will be on Thursdays at 10 a.m. starting June 14. Come in person to register.
