Library looks forward to summer reading program

The Carl and Mary Welhausen Library is preparing for its summer programs to include all ages of children and adults.

Registration for the reading program begins on Thursday, May 22 and ends on Friday, June 13. Age groups include: 0-8, 9-17, and 18 and older.

“Each age group reads by time,” CMW Library Director Gena Jiral said. “The older you are, the more time you have to read in order to earn prizes.”

Ages 0-8 earn two scratch off tickets for every two hours they read. When scratched off, a color is revealed that coincides with that color of basket filled with prizes they are able to choose from. They also earn a ticket to enter to win one of the large prizes at the end of the summer.

Some of the prizes for ages 0-8 include a $25 gift card, a summer fun gift basket, and an outdoor gardening play set. The prizes for ages 9-17 include an 80 inch pizza blanket and JBL Bluetooth speaker, a 5-foot bean-bag chair, and a $50 gift card. The prizes for adults include a $100 gift card, a Ninja Crispi Cooking System and an emergency roadside kit. There are other prizes as well.

This year’s summer program theme is called “Color Your World” at the library this summer.

“Most of the programs for ages 9 through adult are art based,” Jiral said.

The summer family programs will kick off on Wednesday, May 28 at the Yoakum City Park with a Bike Rodeo in partnership with the Yoakum Police Department, “Big Rigs and Mighty Machines”, A roll-over simulator provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, a Gaming Truck, Texana/ Brackenridge Party out of Edna with reptiles, Reading Program Registrations, Water Painting, a Large Petting Zoo, and the Grand Theater will have concessions for purchase and a movie.

All summer family programs for the month of June will be on Wednesday and will occur at the Grand Theater. The next event will be on June 4th. It will be Staci Gray, Children’s Musician.

“Staci Gray is very energetic and has the kids up and moving the entire show,” Jiral said.

A new program this year is the Twisty Art Storytelling occurring on June 11th.

"Some of the kids from the audience will participate in the show,” Jiral said. “Twisty Art will make costumes or hats out of balloons and he’ll have the kids become part of the story he’s telling."

On June 18th, Bobby Cordell will present a Magic Show followed by Texas Snakes on June 25th. The snake show will include education about Texas snakes in the environment and how to protect them. Once his presentation has concluded, individuals will have the opportunity to hold and take pictures with some of the snakes.

On July 2nd, at the Grand Theater, there will be a Yuck Show and one lucky audience member will get slimed at the end.

On July 9th at the Grand Theater, there will be a balloon show by Rob Holla. He will amaze you with many balloon tricks and even place himself in a balloon.

On July 16th, at the Yoakum Community Center, Jim Pennington, with the Texas A&M University Chemistry Department will present a show that includes tons of science experiments which includes mixing various chemicals together to make reactions. Toward the end of the show, all the lights go off and the fires and explosions start.

Outside of the Wednesday programs, there will also be weekly pop-up activities offered to all ages made possible by the Tocker Foundation.

The pop-up activities schedule includes:

• June 2-6: Magic Noodle Foam Crafts.

• June 9-13: Foil Art.

• June 16-20: RC Truck and Car Racing.

• June 23-27: 3D/Puffy Sticker Making.

• June 30-July 3: Magnetic Building Blocks.

• July 7-11: Race Tracks.

• July 14-18: Rock Painting.

• July 21-28: Sand Art.

Jiral encourages all ages to participate in the reading program.

“The children and teachers have worked really hard throughout the entire school year to lose what they have learned,” Jiral said. “If they don’t continue reading throughout the summer, there will be a learning gap. If they remain engaged in the programs, they will maintain and gain knowledge. It’s very important for them to be involved in the reading program and any other programs offered. There’s a learning experience to everything that we offer whether the individual is a tactile, visual, or reading learner.”

Jiral wants to thank all of the sponsors because none of this is possible without them.