Ellis
I lived about half a mile from my local public library growing up and there was a sidewalk the whole way, which made bike trips during the summer super easy and safe.
It was a weekly trip for my brother and me to redeem points as a part of the reading program, and on a special week, to watch whatever family-friendly movie they had playing in the community room. We’d get our ticket and sit patiently waiting for the doors to open.
One week we watched “Ghost Dad” starring Bill Cosby. I don’t know why that was the only movie memory to imprint itself in my brain, but I remember enjoying the air conditioning and laughing along with the other kids. Then after the movie we would fill our backpacks with new books and head home. When I think back on my childhood and the freedom of summer I always think of fireflies, long days at the little league, and bike visits to the library.
Fast forward many years — we won’t say how many — and I now have the joy of helping create fun summer programming for the Greenwood Public Library. And if you’ve ever met a librarian in the wild, you know that we love a theme.
This summer we’re excited to bring you “The Art of Reading” — a celebration of different art mediums and the power of literacy and storytelling. The program may look a little different than it has in years past because we want it to be accessible to even the busiest of families. We’re simplifying, and we think you’re going to love it.
Starting on May 13, pick up a reading bingo card from any help desk at the library. We have separate cards for baby/toddler, school age, teens and adults. Read whatever you want: an old favorite, a new bestseller, an audiobook, a book you own, or a book from another library. We’re not picky!
After completing a bingo, stop back by the help desk to pick up a prize, and if you’ve got the time, try to fill the board for the chance to earn a second prize by the end of June. The program is also available on the library’s Beanstack app if you would prefer a digital option.
While you’re working on your bingo card, be sure to check out some of the awesome programs we’ll be hosting as well!
On June 1, we’re celebrating an official summer reading kickoff with a visit from our Early Literacy Ambassador, Fable the Fox, a special storytime with Miss Anne, a fun visit from local artist and author Terry Border, and a “Rockin’ and Reading” concert with Leonardo. Tickets are available now on our calendar.
The library will be hosting a Bridgerton Tea on June 8, an art festival on June 21, a summer puzzle swap on July 13, and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for “Studio of Color” on July 25 — just to name a few. There will also be weekly storytimes, Fandom Fridays for teens, and Families on the Go events out and about around town during July. There’s something for everyone so be sure to visit our website and check out our programming calendar.
While we won’t be showing “Ghost Dad,” there are plenty of opportunities to make your own memories of summer reading with GPL. We hope you’ll join us!
Emily Ellis is the Assistant Director at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
