Digging into literacy: Library launches summer program

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“Unearth a story”

With the school year ending, the Pearsall Public Library is stepping up to combat the summer slide – the documented loss of reading skills when children are out of the classroom.

To keep young minds sharp and engaged, local library officials have unveiled a packed June calendar of summer youth activities aimed at proving that literacy and summer fun can go hand-in-hand.

“Unearth a Story,” the official summer reading program theme; registration began on June 1, and runs through Friday, June 12.

To build critical early-literacy skills, the library is introducing interactive morning programs designed to make storytelling a sensory experience for the youngest community members.

On Wednesdays, beginning at 10:30 a.m., children from birth to 5-years-old can dive into dinosaur-themed social hours. During this time, children will be read a story and participate in a corresponding hands-on craft.

Thursdays, beginning at 10:30 a.m., children can enjoy Little Learner Social Hour focusing on fundamental developmental and pre-reading skills in a collaborative environment.

Recognizing that keeping pre-teens and teenagers engaged requires a dynamic approach, library staff are rolling out a diverse afternoon agenda.

Throughout the month, beginning at 2:30 p.m., the staff encourages children six through 18 to attend a variety of events that include scavenger hunts, fear factor challenges, Bingo, dinosaur dig sites, Lego and Play-doh workshops, and dinosaur-themed movies.

Additionally, the library is catering to a specific teenage interest by hosting a specialized book club for Manga enthusiasts aged 13 to 18. The teen book club on Wednesday, June 10, beginning at 2 p.m. Due to library guidelines, staff request an adult accompany any participating teenager 15 or younger.

To reward local youth for their dedication to reading, the library will cap off the month’s primary festivities with its highly anticipated annual Foam Party.

Slated for Friday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will feature disc-jockey style music behind the library. Staff encourages those attending to dress in clothes that can get wet and to bring a towel.

While youth literacy remains the primary summer focus, the library is also maintaining spaces for older residents and adult readers to stay connected.

During the month of June, on Tuesdays, the library hosts a senior friends and coffee event from 10 a.m. until noon for senior citizens.

An adult book club will meet on the evening of Tuesday, June 30, to discuss the mystery novel, “What Happened to Nina?”

“This is an adult only event and library services will be closed during this time, for safety concerns, children may not be left unattended if they are attending with a book club participant,” staff reiterated.

For more information and a full schedule regarding any of the summer programs, contact the library staff, (830) 334-2496.