Crawfordsville District Public Library will explore the animal kingdom this summer.
“Tails and Tales” is the theme for this year’s free Summer Reading Program, which kicks off May 24.
Children can complete 7 1/2 hours of reading and four activities by July 13 for prizes and participate in a family storytime at Shannon Family Farms. No reading programs are currently being scheduled at the library. The youth services department will celebrate the first day of summer by making ice cream at the library pavilion. Walmart donated 200 packs of crayons to the library for the programs.
Families can sign up at the Youth Services desk or call 765-362-2242 ext. 2 with questions. Registration runs from May 24 to July 5.
Throughout the summer, Youth Services will host storytimes on the Sugar Creek Trail (next to the Animal Welfare League) and Wiggle and Giggle at Pike Place.
The library also offers a summer reading program for adults who can read 60 minutes per week to be entered into a weekly prize drawing.
Animal-themed virtual programs on bees and first aid for pets are in the works, said Ivette Wilson, head of reference and local history in a presentation to the library board.
The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County’s summer program will offer in-person or take home activities, including a civics-themed alphabet scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded for completing the activities.
This summer also marks the return of the library book sale, which resumes June 12 with social distancing guidelines.
Board vice president Pat Stull announced she is retiring after 15 years on the board. She recommended the Crawfordsville school board, which appointed Stull, select retired Wabash College donor relations coordinator Marilyn Smith to serve the rest of her term, which expires in June 2022.
“This community has entrusted us with a beautiful building in the heart of downtown Crawfordsville,” Stull said, reading from a letter. “Because of your commitment, the staff can offer many programs to the public. All of you take that responsibility very seriously.”
The board traditionally donates materials to the library in honor of departed members. Stull has requested children’s books be added to the collection.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the temporary transfer of $125,000 to the general fund to cover additional maintenance costs, including generator expenses, until the library’s property tax and other disbursements arrive this summer. Before the transfer, the balance of the operating fund was $10,000, down from $93,000 on April 30.
• Approved the purchase of a new loveseat sofa and chair to replace furniture in the teen section. The seating is being ordered from Demco Furniture at the cost of $6,489.
