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Washington Evening Journal
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Fairfield library hosts Summer Reading Kickoff
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Public Library hosted its Summer Reading Kickoff party on Friday afternoon, June 6.
The event featured events both inside and out, such as a bouncy house and a couple of stationary bicycles from ISU Extension that could be ridden to power a blender, which was used to make fruit smoothies.
Fairfield Public Library Director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas said Friday’s summer sign-up event had probably the largest turnout since before the pandemic.
“We’ve seen a major increase in the number visitors since the beginning of the month,” Schmidt-Mickunas said. “It was a real joy for our staff to see so many families and children connecting and having a great time at the library last Friday.”
Youth Services Librarian Sara Martindale said there are a few changes to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, such as more time for kids to track their reading.
“Readers complete the challenge by reading 600 minutes. Last year, super readers could keep going an additional 600 minutes, making the reading stretch goal 1,200 minutes,” Martindale said. “Same as last year, those readers reaching the stretch goal of 1,200 minutes are entered in a drawing for a new bike. This prize is sponsored by the Fairfield Masonic Lodge and Wal-Mart.”
What’s new this year is that readers can keep going until they get to 1,800 minutes, and those highly motivated readers will receive a mystery gift pack available Aug. 7, a free book to add to their home library, and “bragging rights for reaching soft a lofty goal,” Martindale said.
“As readers progress through the challenge they will get to either pick a prize from the prize cart, or receive a badge and a sticker for each hour they read,” she said.
The library is partnering with Wanderer’s Haul this year to teach kids how to play Magic: The Gathering. Wanderer’s Haul moved from its original home on East Burlington Avenue to a renovated home across the street to the north from the library.
“They made great recommendations for board games to add to the library collections that will also be featured as the ‘Board Game of the Week,’ Martindale said. “There are two games featured each week, one for younger kids and one for the older crowd. These games are out in the youth area for community play during the week and available to check out and take home after the week they are featured.”
In July, Martindale will set up an arcade in the library meeting room on Thursday, July 10 th at 10 a.m. Kids can try out Nintendo Switch games from the library collection, and earn prizes as they play. Also in July there is a program about the science of bubbles on Thursday, July 17 at 10 a.m.
“Check the library calendar for puppet shows, Blank Park Zoo, learn to play role playing games, STEM events and snack events put on by ISU staff and interns, and Dairy Day presented by the Farm Bureau Ag Educator Hailey Schultz,” Martindale said. “There is something for everyone on our calendar this summer!”
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
