Willits Library hosts Summer Reading Program Kick-off Event
The Willits Library hosted a Summer Reading Program Kick-off Event in the courtyard behind the Mendocino County Museum June 18. The event featured activity tables, games, snacks, summer reading sign-up information and a performance by Cowgirl Tricks.
Branch Librarian Giselle Delotch explained the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge Log is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” She said, “We are trying to encourage people to go into the great outdoors and read, or just experience the great outdoors more.”
The Cowgirl Tricks performance featured whip cracking and rope tricks. Performer Karen Quest said, “I am excited, I have never been to Willits.” She traveled up from San Francisco to be at the event. Quest described her routine as, “A one woman comedy variety show with trick roping, whip cracking, audience participation, music, magic and kooky cowgirl shenanigans.”
The Mendocino County Museum had a booth promoting its new exhibit “Bear in Mind: the Story of the California Grizzly,” which will be up though July 31. The museum was also giving out an oral history project, just in time for Father’s Day where one could fill out a booklet about their father. Residents can gain free admission to the museum on Wednesdays with a library card.
For this summer’s Reading Program, children must read for at least10 hours and teens and adults must read for 20. Participants can also earn hours on their reading log by completing a listed activity such as: attend a library event, visit a local park, finish an art or craft project or go on a hike, bike or run on a local trail. Those who complete their reading logs will earn prizes and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a grand prize.
Delotch said there will be a variety of grand prizes including a Kindle Tablet. Paper reading logs are available at the library and digital reading logs are available at mendolibrary.beanstack.org. The program will run through Aug. 13.
Sticking with the outdoors theme, this summer there will be a stuffy campout in the library. Children will be encouraged to drop off their stuffed animals to sleep over in the library. The library is also cross-promoting the California State Parks Park Pass, which is a free day parking pass for entrance into California State Parks. Anyone with a library card can check out a State Parks Pass for a week at a time by visiting the library website; passes will soon be available by walk-in at the Willits Library. Delotch said, “It’s all about lowering the barriers that people have to get to State Parks. Because, the cost of parking can be prohibitive.”
Weekly library events include Stories in the Park Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at Recreation Grove Park; a full calendar of events is available at mendolibrary.org or follow Willits- Mendocino County Library on Facebook for up-to-date information.
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