MOUNT VERNON – On Friday, June 2, the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County welcomed program sponsor Park National Bank to celebrate the annual Summer Reading Program kickoff.
Ashley Meyer of Park National and Library Director John K. Chidester enjoyed a tour of the library’s SRP displays and programs while patrons of all ages streamed in and out of the library to register for activities. This year’s theme, “All Together Now,” celebrates kindness, friendship and unity in our communities, and 2023 marks the 45th year that Ohio libraries have held Summer Reading Program activities. Although registration opened June 2 at the Main Library in Mount Vernon and all branch libraries in Danville, Fredericktown and Gambier, there’s still plenty of time to sign up.
Summer Reading Program activities run through July 14. Children and teens will enjoy special programs from the Columbus Zoo, The Works, Touch a Truck, and crafting projects that support the Knox County Dog Shelter and senior residents at Ohio Eastern Star Home. Registered youth participants will celebrate their accomplishments with a Teen 90s Theme Party on Thursday, July 10, and a Children’s Parking Lot Party on Friday, July 14. Adult patrons have the opportunity to win a number of exciting prizes, including “Ice Cream Social,” “Fishing With a Friend” and “Tee Time Together” gift packages. Patrons who complete the five-book challenge can register to win a $50 Visa gift card.
This year’s collaboration between Park National and the library marks over a decade of partnership that truly reflects the SRP theme, “All Together Now.” Youth who meet their reading goals win a free book for their home library, courtesy of the bank.
“Park National Bank support helps the library continue to provide exciting and robust programming that Knox County children and teens rely on for summer fun and literacy enrichment that keep our kids reading," Development and Writing Program Manager Jamie Lyn Smith-Fletcher said. "We’re so honored to partner with them.”
Summer Reading Program activities are available for children, teens and adults, but are especially important for grade-school readers because they provide opportunities to build literacy and lifelong reading habits with a variety of wholesome, fun, educational and entertainment options for kids during summer vacation.
A full listing of Summer Reading Program events is available on the Library’s website at www.knox.net but some highlights include:
Children's Programs
All children’s activities are free and open to kids in preschool, grades K-5, and their families.
Brad the Magician – Thursday, June 8, 10 a.m., YMCA Sports Center.
The Columbus Zoo – Monday, June 12, 10 a.m., YMCA Sports Center
We bring the zoo to you. Join us for an interactive, educational animal exhibition from the world-famous folks at The Columbus Zoo.
Touch-A-Truck – Wednesday, June 28, 1-3 p.m., Ariel Foundation Park
Enjoy an afternoon of climbing, pretending and exploring different kinds of vehicles at the Library's Touch-A-Truck event. Patron parking will be available at the Schnormeier Event Center and The Clock Tower.
The Works, Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology – Thursday, June 29, at 10 a.m., YMCA Sport Center
“More Than a Museum,” The Works Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology visits Mount Vernon for a special interactive demonstration that integrates STEAM and creativity.
Children’s Party in the Parking Lot – Friday, July 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Main Library West Parking Lot
Celebrate your reading accomplishments with the library at our final 2023 Youth Summer Reading Program Party. Enjoy carnival games, temporary tattoos, crafts, music, bubbles and Ohio Snow Balls. Kids and teens who reach their reading goals can visit the library’s multipurpose room to pick out a free book, courtesy of Park National Bank.
Teen Programs
All teen activities are free of charge and open to kids in grades 6-12
Black Out Ceiling Tile Night – Monday, June 5, 2-6 p.m., Main Library West Parking Lot
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to decorate ceiling tiles for the Teen Makerspace with art.
Water Tag and Outdoor Games – Monday, June 12, 2-6 p.m., Ariel-Foundation Park, 10 Pittsburg Ave., Mount Vernon
Join us for an afternoon of water tag, outdoor games and free food. Free and open to grades 6-12.
Make Dog Treats for the Knox County Animal Shelter – Tuesday, June 20, 2-6 p.m., Main Library West Parking Lot
Cook up some tasty dog treats for the Knox County Animal Shelter.
Flower Pot Planters – Monday, June 26, 2-6 p.m., Main Library West Parking Lot
Painting succulent planters for residents at Ohio Eastern Star Nursing Home.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts and Bandana Night – Monday, July 3, 2-6 p.m., Main Library West Parking Lot
Learn how to tie-dye T-shirts and bandanas. You can keep your bandanas or donate them to the Knox County Dog Shelter to help pooches look their best while awaiting adoption.
90s Wrap-Up Party – Monday, July 10, 2-6 p.m., Main Library Multipurpose Room
Celebrate your summer reading program with a 90s-themed Wrap-Up Party. Enjoy karaoke and 90s-themed snacks, shows and movies.
All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.knox.net, call 740-392-BOOK, or stop by the Main Library at 201 N. Mulberry St., Mount Vernon during library hours.
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