Fairfield library hosts summer reading kickoff

FAIRFIELD – Youngsters turned out in droves Saturday for the Fairfield Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party.

The event featured a bouncy house, magic show, face painting and arts and crafts. Kids can now pick up reading logs at the library to track their reading progress during the summer and turn them in for prizes.

The summer reading program ends July 30 with a raffle prize drawing at the Fairfield Farmers Market. Youth Services Librarian Alecs Mickunas said that, due to the generosity of local businesses, the library can give away many prizes this year, including a Google Chromebook as the grand prize.

“We’ve gotten a record amount of gift funding from local businesses this year, and we want to express our appreciation to those businesses that have contributed,” Mickunas said. “We’re hoping to update some of the learning toys in the youth services department such as a learning table with preserved insects and a large magnifying glass for looking at them up close, as well as some new computers that will be coming soon as well.”

Saturday’s kickoff party was one of three family events the library has planned for this summer. The other two dates are June 24 and July 8. The June 24 event will have a Pokemon theme, with a Pokemon card game tournament, a Pokemon film, and a scavenger hunt with life-sized Pokemons. The July 8 event is called “Hobbit Day” and will have a fantasy theme featuring Magic The Gathering card game tournament, fantasy costume contest and a magic fairy party for younger kids.

For a full list of events happening at the library this summer, check out https://www.fairfield.lib.ia.us/events or pick up a paper copy of the summer reading events calendar at the front desk.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com