CULLMAN – The Cullman County Public Library system has enjoyed another successful Summer Reading Program this year. Thanks to the expertise of librarians Karen Laney and Renee Ryan, who together took the bull by the horns and created a host of exciting activities for kids as part of the program. Each activity encouraged participating children, ages 3-13, to read and have a great time while they’re at it.
“We started the Summer Reading Program on June 3, and we wrapped it up on Thursday,” explained Karen Laney, summer reading program director. “We have had a different presenter and program every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. for the children. We’ve had Cullman Electric Cooperative, and we’ve had science shows, and all kinds of stuff. This past Tuesday, we had a princess party with Cinderella, and Wednesday we had a magician. The kids really enjoyed the magic show. Thursday, we had people from the McWane Science Center for our grand finale.”
Tuesday’s princess party was a great success. The library was chocked full of excited youngsters who sat and listened attentively to Cinderella as she read “Beauty and the Beast” to them. A few small girls actually stood next to the beautiful princess and hung on to her every word; all the while softly stroking her lovely gown, careful not to interrupt.
The Cullman branch wasn’t the only location that hosted the Summer Reading Program. All library locations participated as well.
“Every branch in Cullman County did the program,” Laney said. “The only difference is the satellite branches only hosted the program once a week.”
We are very lucky to have such a great library system here in Cullman. The work they do with the children in our communities is simply amazing. But the library doesn’t just work with our kids in the summer time. They continue to work with them throughout the rest of the year as well.
“During the school year, we have a program for daycares, preschools and head starts. It’s called the Raising Readers Program,” Laney smiled excitedly. “We go around to the different schools and daycares – both public and private, religious and nonreligious. We’re mainly aiming at the head start and pre-k classes.”
“The Raising Readers Program involves taking book kits to the classes once the teachers tell us what subject they will be working on. The kits include books, activities and manipulatives that they can share with their classrooms. So if you’re a preschool or daycare teacher, you can call the library and inquire about the program and we can definitely put you on the route,” she grinned happily.
If you are interested in contacting the Cullman Library about these or any other programs they offer, please feel free to call the main branch at 256-734-2720 or visit their website at www.ccpls.com. There are also satellite library branches located at Garden City, Hanceville, Colony and Holly Pond. You can call the main branch at the number above or visit the website to find out more information.
