The West Plains Public Library has launched its annual summer reading program, bringing a slate of free educational entertainment to local youth under this year's dinosaur-themed banner, “Unearth a Story.”
The library hosts the specialized programming each summer to foster a seasonal interest in reading through free, interactive community events.
Upcoming children’s events include a performance by Chicago-area musician Leonardo at 10 a.m. Thursday at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The performance is promoted as a high energy and family friendly, appealing to all ages.
Additional performers scheduled for the 10 a.m. Thursday series at the civic center include The Giant Bubble Show, June 25, combining large-scale bubble artistry with introductory science concepts; St. Louis-based children’s magician Chef Bananas on July 2; comedic puppetry performing “Great Dino Adventure” from Brent Allan Entertainment on July 10; and, finally, on July 23, the Mad Science program “Davidious the Dinosaur,” focusing on youth paleontology and earth sciences.
Regular summer story times are held weekly at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on one Saturday a month.
The library has also coordinated specialized activities for young adults ages 12 through 18 in the library’s Community Room. The teen lineup includes dinosaur origami from 4 to 5 p.m. June 23; Creating Cartoon Characters with Will Stuck from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 30; and a “Crack the Past” dinosaur egg craft from 4 to 5 p.m. July 28.
Adult programming hosted in the community meeting room includes a meet-the-author event featuring Michelle Collins, author of “Moonshine Woman,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. A “prehistoric puzzles and popcorn” is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. July 30, though advance registration is required.
The library, 750 W. Broadway, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Visit the library’s Facebook page, @westplainslibrary, for registration and event details, or call 417-256-4775.
Marty the Magician uses a magic wand to perform an illusion with plastic dinosaurs appearing to move from one container to another during a performance on Thursday at the West Plains Civic Center, assisted by 7-year-olds Edmonton, left, and Auddie, right. The act was part of a West Plains Public Library summer reading event, attended about 300 children, including local summer school students. It was one of a series of free programs offered by the library at the civic center each Thursday, all coordinating with this year’s dinosaur-themed reading slogan, “Unearth a Story.” The children’s program includes a story time with Patty Goss at 10 a.m. today at the library, 705 W. Broadway. The library will continue to host summer reading activities for children, teens and adults through July 31.
