While not all the libraries in the county will be able to offer the traditional format for their summer reading programs, encouraging children to “Imagine Your Story” will still be a priority.
As facilities adapt to social distancing guidelines, libraries have had to open with restrictions. Still, the Ned R. McWherter Weakley County Library in Dresden and the C.E. Weldon Public Library in Martin are offering modified versions of the national focus for summer reading entitled Imagine Your Story.
Dresden’s version will run from June 1-30. Children and youth who sign up will receive a sticker chart to keep up with the number of books they read throughout the summer. Completed charts can be returned to the library to receive a treat bag and be placed in a drawing for the Grand Prize.
“We will have no in-library programming but are hoping to have a couple of outdoor programs,” noted Library Director Candy McAdams. “Children may pick up registration forms at the library or can call or email us and we will fill it out for them.”
With no browsing inside the building allowed, the library staff are receiving calls at (731) 364-2678 to select books and check out for pick-up. The Dresden card catalog is also available online. E-books are available for free downloads at meet.libbyapp.com.
The Martin library program will extend from June 1 to July 24. The library is offering curbside pickup as well as a Summer Book Mobile that will bring reading options to neighborhoods. Sign up at the library or call 731- 587-3148.
Jenny Claiborne, Youth and Children's Services Director at C.E. Weldon, said plans for special weekly activities are underway along with Facebook Live presentations such as Tuesday Toddler Times at 10 a.m., Virtual LEGO Club on Wednesdays and Story Hour. Teens will take over the library’s social media on Thursdays. On Tuesdays and Fridays, curbside options will include Take and Make Bags with craft supplies.
Though the Dr. Nathan Porter Library in Greenfield was unable to plan for its usual Summer Reading Program with prizes, the facility is now open with restrictions.
“No browsing, no hanging out, and visitors must wear a face mask to enter the building,” said Director Kathy Watson of the current limits. However, while appointments to reserve computer time were previously needed, as of June 2, that requirement will be lifted.
“We are going to try to plan a back-to-school bash in place of the Summer Reading Program events,” she added. She hopes to receive donations so that prizes will be included to recognize reading efforts in the weeks prior.
Sharon Library is offering curbside pickup of library books and, if needed, home delivery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Gleason Library is currently closed.
To receive the latest updates, call: Gleason Public Library (731) 648-9020; Dr. Nathan Porter Library in Greenfield (731) 235-9932; Sharon Public Library (731) 456-2707; C.E. Weldon Public Library in Martin (731)- 587-3148; and Ned R. McWherter Weakley County Library (731) 364-2678.