Fairfield library to host summer reading kickoff Friday

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Public Library will host its summer reading kickoff from 1-7 p.m. Friday, June 2.

The event will include crafts and a bounce house. From 1-5 p.m., attendees can meet with youth organizations in the library’s meeting room. Balloon animals will be handed out from 4-7 p.m., and Hy-Vee will grill a free meal with either hot dogs or vegan hot dogs from 5-7 p.m.

Children will get signed up for the summer reading program through an app called Beanstack, which they will use to record the books they read over the summer.

The summer reading program ends Aug. 12. Fairfield Youth Services Librarian Sara Martindale said the library will hold two drawings, one at the end of June and another at the end of the whole program. The top prize is a bicycle courtesy of Fairfield’s Clinton Lodge 15 of the Masonic Lodge. There are also prize packs for the youth who volunteer the most through the summer reading program.

Throughout the summer, the library will host a number of children’s programming. Martindale said she’s excited for a couple of events in June such as the Eulenspiegel Puppets, who will present Emperor’s Nightingale at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9. The following Friday on June 16, the Iowa Dance Collective will perform toddler dance and music classes at 3 p.m.

Martindale said the program she’s most excited for is the Absolute Science Butterfly Tents, which will visit the library at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30. Martindale said children will be able to observe butterflies up close and learn about their life cycle. Jefferson County Conservation Naturalist Brittney Tiller will present a series of programs in July, too.

“Planning this all is a challenge, but I’m glad we have a really good lineup,” Martindale said. “I’m working with excellent volunteers, and we have such a wonderful community of people willing to help with activities. It makes a tall task a lot easier.”

In addition to its special programs, the library will have many ongoing weekly programs such as a kids’ movie every Monday at 2:30 p.m., songs and stories every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. and storytime every Thursday at 4 p.m. For a complete list of library activities, visit the library’s website at https://www.fairfield.lib.ia.us/.

  Buy Photo

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