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By Palmer McNeal
Staff Intern

The Jessamine County Public Library is getting ready to start their annual Summer Learning Program to be held throughout June and July. In summer of 2022, over 35,000 participants visited the library, attended programs, and submitted reading logs.

 

The program will officially begin on Sunday, June 2nd with the Summer Learning Kick-Off Party from 1-5 p.m. This year’s celebration will feature new activities, such as stunt jumps, an exotic petting zoo, and a mystery treasure hunt. There will also be a sensory friendly space for folks who need a break from the excitement, and an inflatable area for children ages 5 and under. During the Kick-Off Party, people can come get the supplies needed for Summer Learning. The Summer Learning Program is not only for the youth of Jessamine County. Adults and teenagers can participate in the program. There are several rewards for individuals participating. Children who turn in a completed reading log the first week will receive a free pass for the Riney B. Aquatic Center. All completed reading logs must be turned in by July 21. Anyone who completes four of the seven weeks of Summer Learning is eligible to pick out a free reward book between July 22-July 28. Additionally, participants will be eligible for weekly prizes and grand prizes at the end of the program. These prizes include items such as: Nintendo Switches, coffee machines, Kindles, and Airpods.

 

According to the JCPL Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, Emily Moon, Summer Storytimes will also resume soon. Starting Monday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m., storytime will return for babies, toddlers, and children. As part of the Summer Learning program, with this year’s theme being “Adventure Awaits,” the Jessamine Public County Library (JCPL) will host events throughout the summer, entertaining people of all ages. One event that will be offered this summer is a “Choose Your Adventure” night. This will be from 6-9 p.m. on June 24, and there will be four different activities for guests to choose from. These activities include hot air balloons, rock climbing, inflatable surfboard rides, and foraging. Additionally, the library will be hosting a Dinosaur Adventure, featuring life size dinosaurs and archeological activities. Summer Weekly Family Tuesday programs will return, starting Tuesday, June 4. The Tuesday Family program is geared toward Elementary aged children, with performances such as: puppets, monkeys, and ventriloquists. There will be a show in the morning and evening for families’ convenience throughout June and July.

 

Throughout the summer months, the Jessamine Journal will publish details on weekly JCPL activities to keep residents informed. The summer events at the library also include the Jessamine Live Concert Series, where there will be a free concert each month at the Riney B. Park. The first concert will be held on Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at Riney B Park. Moon suggests families come to spend the whole weekend with the library starting at the concert that Friday and ending with the Sunday Kick-Off party. More information on county-wide summer concert programming will be published soon. More information on summer programming at the public library can be found at jesspublib.org.