With shrieks and giggles, more than 30 children ran a colorful gauntlet Thursday morning at the Bloomfield Public Library.
The Color Fun Run was the kickoff event for the library’s summer reading program. This summer features a full slate of activities for kids to keep them engaged with the library with the aim of keeping them engaged with reading. All events are free and open to all community members.
The theme for this year’s program is “Color Our World,” said Stacey York, children’s librarian. The program runs through July 24. The special events are presented every Tuesday and Thursday, with Toddler Story Time at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. The goal is while kids are there enjoying the event they will then check out some library books.
The summer program also gives kids an opportunity to earn tickets for minutes spent reading; the tickets can then be redeemed for prizes at the library once the program concludes. The Save the Children organization has been working with the library and were on hand Thursday to offer free books to the color-splattered kids.
York explained that expanded offerings and programs at the library are beginning to bear fruit with more kids, and adults, getting library cards. The library is also posting more on social media and going to local schools to get the word out about the library. “We have a lot of new patrons coming in. We’ve had a lot of people say they didn’t even know Bloomfield Library was here,” she said.
Reading throughout the summer keeps basic literacy rates up so children don’t lose ground during the school break. York stressed that reading doesn’t have to be boring.
Some of us never thought it was.
Bloomfield Library Summer Reading events
June 10, 1 p.m., Science Activity presented by E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center.
June 12, 10:30 a.m.: Hot Air Balloon Exhibition.
June 17, 10:30 a.m. Denise and her Border collie (storytelling).
June 19, 10:30 a.m.: Luke Renner, Yoyo Slinger.
June 24, 10:30 a.m., Tie-Dye Activity.
June 26, 6 p.m.: Rocky Mountain Puppets.
July 1, 10 a.m.: Vitalant Blood Drive & Art Display.
July 8, 10:30 a.m.: Soap Making with Willow Wicks.
July 10, 10:30 a.m.: Wildlife Conservation Education with N.M. Game & Fish.
July 15, 10:30 a.m.: Dan Crow Music.
July 17, 12:30 p.m., Wolfwood Refuge.
July 22, 12:30 p.m.: Tall Paul Magic.
July 24, 1 p.m.: Splash Party.
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Story Time, through summer.
