As all businesses and public entities have worked to adapt to the new normal the last few months, libraries too have faced difficult decisions. Some libraries across Iowa have reopened but many have decided to largely stay closed as COVID-19 continues to be a concern. This decision was made even more difficult for libraries as summer brings many fun opportunities and programs for patrons, particularly children. Like other area libraries, the Clarion Public Library is rising up to meet the challenge of delivering summer programming even during this unusual time.
Traditionally, the Clarion library offers several fun events and activities for their youth summer reading program. This summer, they originally had various performers booked, along with talks and demonstrations from Wright County Conservation and the Farm Bureau. Everything was to be topped off with a free movie at the theater. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the last few months.
With the library still closed to general traffic besides book pick-ups, the staff knew they would have to adapt if they wanted to get summer reading going. Luckily, Library Associate Sheryl Larson along with Director Linda Lloyd were up to the challenge and have found ways to deliver fun programming even outside the library walls.
The library invites 4 to 11-year-olds to participate in their virtual Summer Reading Club. Each week, Larson focuses on a particular book and shares related resources available to kids and their parents through the library website and Facebook page. These include things like e-books for kids, virtual escape rooms and online story times with a Clarion librarian.
Each week until the end of July, the library also has activity packets that fit the weekly theme available at the library. People can pick up these materials outside the library in a grab and go fashion. Last week, the packet was all Independence Day themed, with festive puzzles, a red, white and blue lantern craft and even a Fourth of July snack.
Other activities have fit the nationwide Collaborative Summer Reading Program theme: Imagine Your Story. A few weeks ago, the weekly theme was Jack and the Beanstalk. In their activity packet, kids even found the materials to plant their own “beanstalk” and were invited to share pictures of their growing plant on the library’s Facebook page. Other weekly themes included Kindness Rocks and Pete the Cat. In the weeks to come, more fun is planned, including fish and turtle crafts.
Kids participating also have a fun goal to work towards. When you sign up for the reading club, you get a bingo sheet with various challenges on it. Participants might be asked to read a book with a flashlight or read to a favorite stuffed animal. Starting August 3, kids can turn in their completed bingo sheet and get a prize bag.
Larson and Lloyd add that there is still time to join in the fun. With the help of their parents, kids can sign up until Monday, July 13 on the library’s website clarion.lib.ia.us. They want everyone to sign up by then so they can order prizes for all.
In addition to summer reading for the kids, the library staff emphasizes they are still providing services for all. People can call in with book or movie requests for people of all ages. Lloyd says they are still offering copying and fax services if people call ahead.
The librarians say they hope to be open later this summer, but will continue to follow the guidance of their board and the State Library. They invite patrons to follow all activities and developments on their Facebook page until then.
