Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three…All Together Now!
“The 2023 summer reading program at the Spring Valley Public Library begins with a kickoff week starting June 5. ‘All Together Now’ is the theme, and the program will be full of fun and exciting performers, activities, crafts on site, and all the regulars that our kids are used to,” shared Spring Valley Public Library (SVPL) Director Jenny Simon, inviting the small to the tall to join the edutainment at the local library this summer.
She went on to outline that the program is an opportunity for Spring Valley area children to enjoy a season filled with adventures. “Pick up a free book provided with funding from the Spring Valley Area Community Foundation (SVACF) after registering. The guessing jar, I Spy cabinet, look-and-find pictures around the library, the coveted Golden Book, as well as pop-up games, crafts and a special room for those ages 10 and older to hang out and do some ‘older kid’ stuff will all be ready.”
Simon stated that “we want to provide easy and free access to programs, books, story times, crafts, and all the things that kids need to keep their brains busy over the summer – while having fun at the same time.” She remarked, “I look forward to seeing how much the kids have grown and seeing many of them reading independently now. I know they are all excited for my fantastically funny jokes. We have lots of awesome new books to check out, and many old favorites, too. Crafts will be onsite again this year to foster the feeling of being at the library and being creative with others–that sense of community we have all missed so much during the last couple of years.”
The director highlighted the numerous presentations that the library will host for children from early June through the end of July, with all programs beginning at 1:30 p.m. at SVPL. “We are excited to host the following as part of our summer reading program this summer: On June 14, we will welcome Mary Bleckwehl with ‘The Magic of Story!’ Mary is an author who will read from one of her books and throw in some magic, too. Bring your stuffed animals, your grandmas, your best friends and yourself. This project/program is made possible by the people of Minnesota through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy Fund, in cooperation with our regional library system, SELCO. On June 21, Snake Discovery is hissing their way back with some familiar friends. You will get to touch a snake–maybe even hold one– and see lots of cool creatures. Please be sure to bring those who are afraid of legless creatures so they can see how gentle and calm they are.”
Simon continued, “On June 28, Balloons by Kevin will be here for a balloon-twisting show and workshop. Everyone will go home with a piece of balloon art, and the balloon art will be made ahead of time so there should not be waiting in line. And on July 5, stop in and pick up our only take-and-make craft for the holiday week. On July 12, Will Bjorndal will bring ‘Family Music Fun with Will.’ This will be a high-energy performance focused on positivity and joy and learning through curiosity. This project is made possible by the people of Minnesota through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy Fund, in cooperation with our regional library system, SELCO.”
Late July promises a summer reading program wrap-up party with the Friends of the Spring Valley Public Library. “On July 19, we’ll have the summer reading wrap-up party with Friends. Join us at the library for games, arts and crafts, story time, LEGO challenges, tattoos–temporary, of course—’chalk the walk’ and so much more. This is a day to celebrate reading, friends, and our library. The Friends of the Spring Valley Public Library will be helping out a ton on this day.”
Simon reiterated that the summer reading program is free and that it will be an exciting adventure. “Come to all of them, come to what you can, and come in between, as activities will be available all during June and July. Reading logs will be due on July 21, and prize bag pickup for those who turned in a reading log will begin on July 31.”
She listed the library’s other upcoming events, citing, “Here are a couple extra programs that aren’t part of the summer reading program but will be SO cool. We start on June 7 at 5 p.m. with ‘Cave Critters!’ Come and visit with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ranger Lindsay and talk about caves and who lives there and why. On June 29, Doug Ohman’s ‘Saving History’ workshop will be at 6 p.m. at Spring Creek Park. Have you ever used a metal detector before? Would you like to try? This is open to all ages, but you must call the library at 507-346-2100 to register so we make sure we have a metal detector for you. Learn how to search for relics and how to be a responsible user. This project/program is made possible by the people of Minnesota through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy Fund, in cooperation with our regional library system, SELCO.”
The Spring Valley Public Library is located just off Broadway in downtown Spring Valley and is open Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, call 507-346-2100.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
