Adventures begin at the library

Growing up in Ritzville I spent many years within the Carnegie Library walls. I would spend hours playing games and doing homework in the teen room, I attended the monthly Page Turners Book Club program, and I participated for many years in the Summer Reading Program. I was lucky enough to find an open position for a place I hold so dearly in my heart. It didn’t take long for me to become the Youth Services Library Assistant, where I am fortunate to be able to give back to the community by creating fun and educational activities for our local youth.

A program I wish I could’ve participated in when I was young is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. It is free and educational and can be started immediately after birth. This easy program encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before they enter kindergarten to promote strong reading skills and expand their imagination and awareness of the world. The signup process is easy! Ask any Ritzville library staff member for a registration form to receive a packet that includes a reading log, book and reading level recommendations, and a very easy-to-read parent instruction page.

Throughout June, all programs, both adult and youth, will not be occurring, due to the staff planning the Summer Reading Program. This year we are extremely excited about the theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” We have so many things going on this summer for you and your family to enjoy! The kick-off party will take place for SRP at the Ritzville City Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 6, where the kids will play one-shot mini-games with the theme of survivalist. Every weekday for six weeks starting on July 8th at 1-3 PM there will be more programs for your kids to enjoy. Monday – STEAM, Tuesday – Lego Club, Wednesday – Gamerz, Thursday – Craft Day, Friday – Movie Matinee.

We will also host Joshua Superstar as an event for the kiddos. We loved seeing him so much the first time that we decided to invite him again! He will be showcasing his numerous talents like “side-splitting comedy, nail-biting circus stunts, and tons of audience participation” (https://www.joshuajsuperstar.com/) at the Ritzville City Park on Saturday, July 20th at 1 PM.

You might be sitting here reading and wondering ‘What about the adults?’ Well, we have a Summer Reading Program designed with you in mind! Going along with the SRP Youth Theme, our wonderful Adult Services, Heather, put together Lords and Ladies of the Ring. You need to follow the path of Sam and Frodo to destroy the one true ring. Your triumph just might lead to riches and glory. Ask for an Adult Reading Packet today!

Additional

June Events

At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, author Janet Yoder will speak about her book, “Where the Language Lives.” A beautiful book about her mentor, Vi Hilbert’s life and achievements, where she discusses the impact of Vi Hilbert on the indigenous culture, history, and language. If you are interested in how she helped keep a rich culture alive, this would be a fantastic opportunity to experience! Her book is available for checkout at the Ritzville Public Library.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, June 17 a Community Health Event will be held in our Learning Garden. We are happy to host another wonderful year of community-wide wellness. Thanks to Rural Resources, our local families will have many opportunities to see the sponsored vendors, such as Adams County Integrated Health, Housing Assistance, Molina Healthcare, and more! If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 659-1222 or [email protected]

— Kaiden Bell is a youth services library assistant at Ritzville Library.