On Tuesday, June 6, the Richland library kicked off its summer reading program with Abby Sieren from the Keokuk County Farm Bureau. She taught kids about the importance of good nutrition in raising healthy pigs. After reading a book about a hog farm, everyone was invited to make their own trail mix style snack to eat.

Parrots, who will serve as this year’s “mascot,” were also featured in the program. We learned about this year’s theme “Find your Voice” and how parrots often mimic others instead of using their own voice. Each child created their own parrot to take home.

Next week’s program on Tuesday, June 20, will feature Stratton Bond, a ranger naturalist from the Keokuk County Conservation Department.

Thursdays at the library, there is a program for teens entering sixth through 12th grade from 3-4 p.m. This program will feature games, snacks, crafts and just hanging out with friends. The first program involved a tricky treasure hunt with a “sweet” treasure: all the ingredients to make s’mores. While we couldn’t build a campfire in the library to roast the marshmallows, the microwave worked just fine!

This summer will feature free programs for all ages including events to attend and reading logs to be completed for prizes. For more information, please contact the library at 319-456-6541 or richlib@natel.net.