Shiner Public Library gearing up for Summer Reading Program

The Hoffie and Lank Wolters Shiner Public Library is gearing up for its summer reading program. 
The program will begin Wednesday, June 5 and last until Wednesday, July 10. All children aged four through grade four are asked to register at the library during regular library hours. 
Registration will begin Wednesday, May 1 and last until Saturday, June 1. 
“This is a really fun event,” Library Director Paula Sue Pekar said. “We do crafts, not at the library, but we send them home with the kids. This helps parents and kids’ bond with each other. We get a lot of enjoyment out of that.” 
The library has already been getting donations from people to assist in some of the performers they have booked for the program.
“We start booking performers in January,” Pekar said.
The first performer will be a magic show presented by John O’ Bryant. This will begin on Wednesday, June 5.
“He’s been here about seven years,” Pekar said. “The kids just love him. He changes his show every year and he’s very personable with the children. He interacts with them and does magic with them.”
The next performer is a new entry for the library and is called the Alluring Bubble Show. A performer will blow huge bubbles and interact with the children. This will be on Wednesday, June 12.
On Wednesday, June 19, Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large will be performing. He is a clown who plays the ukulele. 
Finally, on Wednesday, June 26, children will be able to see live animals with the Wild Things Zoofari. They can expect to see reptiles and baby kangaroos.  
“I hope many kids will be able to participate,” Pekar said. “These types of programs encourage kids to learn to read and keeps their reading level up. It’s also a great place after school for the kids to get together and socialize and see each other again in a safe environment.”
Typically, there are about 125 children who enroll in the program, according to Pekar.
“This is open to any kids, you don’t have to live in Shiner,” Pekar said. “Of course, we request that every child has a library card because they will be checking out library materials.” 
Finally, the program will conclude on Wednesday, July 10. On that day, there will be a raffle drawing and reading certificates presented. There will also be a foam party with pizza as well. All raffles must be turned in on that day. 
“Kids don’t have to be enrolled in the program to come to the programs,” Pekar said. “However, they have to be enrolled to earn raffles and stickers that we have at the end of the summer program.”
If you have any questions, please contact the library at 361-594-3044.