By Ferrell Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Secretary/Programs Chairperson
At the June 21st JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s Celebration of Optimism gathering at the Hampto Inn, Susan Moyer, Director and Emily Burtis, Director of Youth Programs at the Dorothy Bramlage PublicLibrary shared information about the Summer Reading Program.
Emily told the group that there are 1,137 people enrolled in the Summer Reading Program. The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to be used to supply items needed for the program for youth enrolled in USD 475, home schooled children and those at the Detention Center.
Emily shared that “Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics are included in learning opportunities during the week. Connections are made between the STEAM topics centered around real-world situations and books youth are reading this summer. Some of the activities have included robotics, painting rocks, having fun with soap bubbles in Heritage Park and learning to countand make change in an imaginary pizza parlor.
In the fall the activities will change to learning fairy tales from different cultures, “touch a truck” (fire truck) and an American Girl Tea Party.”
Susan Moyer told the group “work continues toward establishing a site for the new library, making grant applications, and seeking public and private donations." She went on to say "other financial resources include a library levy, some state, city and county funds and generous contributions made on the Greater Geary Community Foundation Match Day. Libraries are so much more than providing readers with books and checking them out. Our library is a community center for meaningful learning."