Benny Westcott
The Sweet Home Public Library kicks off its weekly Summer Reading in the Park program at 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, at Sankey Park, 877 14th Ave.
Subsequent events begin at 10 a.m. Fridays, except for Aug. 4, which falls during Oregon Jamboree weekend.
“This year we’re bringing in some outside people, that we haven’t done since I’ve been here,” Director of Library Services Megan Dazey said.
The schedule:
— June 23: “Science Heroes: Saving Earth Together.” Led by Talewise, which has 29 chapters across the country, “Heroes” travels to different cities with action-packed adventure stories.
“It’s kind of like a magic and science show,” Dazey said.
— June 30: A Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District representative will discuss summer safety and, on the fun side, lead water-related activities, including bubbles and a water fight.
“People will get wet,” Dazey warned.
— July 7: Art in the Park with a “Welcome to Wonderland” theme.
— July 14: Brownsville Reptile Rescue highlights a morning with animals kids can “touch and get to know,” according to Dazey. Animal-related crafts are also featured.
— July 21: “Express Yourself” hosts various crafts, including quilt squares to hang in the library.
— July 28: Art in the Park returns with “Make Some Noise,” featuring music-related activities (some, possibly including karaoke, led by Shoppe of Wonders representatives) and crafts.
— Aug. 11: Eugene’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History staffers present “Oregon Rocks,” which, as the title suggests, provides information on rocks in the state.
Summer Reading in the Park is geared toward preschool to fourth-grade students, although everyone is welcome.
“I think people should come and get to know their community members and get to know other kids in the community before you meet them again at school next year,” Dazey said.
She added that more people were signing up and inquiring about the program this year.
“Interest is really picking up now that we can do a lot more, because there’ll be fewer restrictions,” she said. “We’re just trying to make things easier for kids to get involved.”