Kristy Kemper Hodge is researching the interests of families in Silverton. She has been the youth services librarian for Silver Falls Public Library for just over a year.
“Part of our role is meeting community needs,” Kemper Hodge said.
This summer, the library has scheduled a full array of family activities to do just that.
The annual summer reading program began June 10 and continues throughout the summer. The program is for all ages – adults, too.
The aim is to promote literacy and reading for fun and to keep kids reading so they don’t fall behind over the summer.
“Ten books is a goal,” Kemper Hodge said.
The library isn’t just a place to find books. There’s media, including music, books on CD and movies. The library also hosts family film nights the second Saturday of every month and, new to the library, Teen Friday Film night.
“It’s great because parents are there having the same experience,” Kemper Hodge said.
The last Wednesday of the month is Crafty Kids night for preschool and elementary aged children. Somewhat seasonally themed crafts are provided along with snacks.
June 20, 3-5:30 p.m.: Teen Friday Film
June 25, 3:30-5 p.m.: Crafty Kids
June 26, 7-8 p.m.: Reptile Man at
Coolidge McClaine Park Pavillion
June 28, 7-8:30 p.m.: Second annual Concert
on the Library Lawn
Weekly Programs
Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m.:
Ravens Storytime (5-6 year olds);
7 p.m.: Family Storytime
Wednesdays: 12:30 p.m.:
Chickadees Storytime (3-4 year olds)
Thursdays, Fridays: 11-11:30 a.m.:
Baby Birds Storytime (0-36 months)
Fridays: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.:
Duplo Day (all ages)
For schedules and more:
www.silverfalls.plinkit.org/library-programs
“Kids can stretch their creative muscles in a totally safe environment,” she said.
Later in the month, combining science with family interaction, is Discovery Night. In June Oregon’s Reptile Man will bring rescued snakes, lizards and turtles from the Pacific Northwest.
Weekly activities include youth and family storytime staffed with skilled program directors who get children involved in reading, language, songs and, in some cases, crafts.
On Friday Duplo Days, kids are provided with mountains of blocks in various sizes to construct an unlimited number of things without taking over the family living room.
Due to the success of last year’s centennial concert, at the end of June the library will hold the second annual Library Concert on the lawn featuring the Corral Creek Bluegrass Band in the grass beside the library, or indoors if it rains.
Many of these and other library programs are made possible with the support of the Friends of Silver Falls Library, an indispensable group of volunteers.
“The Friends support the library in a variety of ways, including providing funds and book coupons for summer reading program prizes for youth and adults, funds for refreshments for youth programs, and a bunch of other great things,” Kemper Hodge said.
To join in, pick up a Friends of the Library brochure or fill out a membership application at the circulation desk. You can also contribute by shopping at the annual book sale in August or by making a tax deductible contribution at any time.
