Unearth a Story
By Desarae Newkirk
Assistant Branch Director
LeRoy Branch
If there’s one thing we know – kids never get tired of dinosaurs.
We’re going to ‘Unearth a Story’ this summer through exploring archaeology, paleontology, genealogy and the natural world, but more than that, we’re inviting our communities to uncover stories in all kinds of ways. Some will be buried in the past, some found in books, and others created right here in our libraries this summer.
Beginning May 1st, readers of all ages can start logging their reading.
For some kids, this will be the summer they discover they actually like reading. For others, it’s about keeping the momentum going. And for adults, it’s a chance to slow down and pick up something just for you.
This summer, all across Coffey County our Libraries are bringing that fascination to life with programs that let kids explore, play and even get a little messy while reading along the way.
Kicking off Summer with Dinosaur Dimensions! Imagine coming face-to-face with a lifelike dinosaur. Coming to multiple Branches of the Coffey County Library:
- Gridley on June 3rd at 10:30 am
- LeRoy on June 3rd at 1:30 pm
- Lebo on June 3rd at 6:30 pm
- Burlington on June 4th at 10:30 am
- Waverly on June 4th at 1:30 pm
In Gridley, the fun continues with an Adopt-a-Dino Party (yes, they get to take one home) on June 17th. Sign-up is required and Dino Games with Happy Faces Entertainment July 8th at 10:30 AM.
Burlington is bringing the fun this summer too! On June 18th at 3:00 PM, be ready for a KC Foam party. Then be ready on July 31st at 7:00 PM for a BYOP – Bring Your Own Pool party.
LeRoy is ready to dig into summer May 15th, with their Ice Cream Social to celebrate the beginning of summer – what better way to kick things off than with something sweet? On May 30th at 10:00 AM, join them for a Tea-Rex Party – get it? ‘Tea’-Rex. Then get your worms ready for their 2nd Annual Worm Race July 11th at 10:00 AM. Whose worm will cross the finish line first?
Over in Waverly, Fridays at 10:00 AM are getting a prehistoric twist with Dinosaur Fun Fridays – a weekly chance to create and explore. Come interact with live animals June 23rd at 10:00 with the Emporia Zoo! For even more live animal interactions, make your way back to the Waverly Branch to have fun with Milford Nature Center July 9th at 10:00 AM.
And in New Strawn…. Well, let’s just say things might get a little gross (in the best way) with Dino Poo Detectives June 12th at 1:00 PM. Then bring a succulent to swap at their Succulent Exchange on July 17th at 1:00 PM.
Lebo and Burlington are bringing in Science Heroes, and it fits perfectly with our Unearth a Story theme! Kids will ‘dig’ into the science all around us with fun, hands-on experiments – including a wild toilet tornado.
Science Heroes will be at the following places:
- Lebo: June 25th at 10:30 AM
- Burlington: June 25th at 2:00 PM
Conclude the summer with Jammin’ Randy, an award winning children’s singer/songwriter from Hays Kansas.
Jammin’ Randy will be at the following places:
- Gridley: July 29th at 10:30 AM
- New Strawn: July 29th at 1:00 PM
- LeRoy: July 30th at 1:30 PM
We’re closing out Summer Reading on August 7th with a dino-mite pool party at the Burlington Outdoor Pool from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Celebrate all your reading adventures with a splash, hangout with friends, and make a roar-some end to the season. Be sure to check each library’s Facebook page, visit your local branch, or check the website for all the details on events, and how to log your reading. Each branch has its own fun planned, so you won’t want to miss out – it’s going to be prehistorical fun!