Local library invites the community to its Summer Reading Program kick-off party

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library has added a Jurassic twist to this year’s Summer Reading Program, and it all kicks off with a party on Saturday.

The program invites readers of all ages to track their reading hours, and for every five hours logged, they will earn a ticket that they can enter into a raffle to win a variety of prizes. Youth Services Librarian Kiwana Bridges says the reading program's theme is “Unearth Your Story.” She says the theme encourages folks to read books focused on dinosaurs, history and genealogy.

The kickoff party takes over the library on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it will be a dinosaur lover’s paradise. Bridges says the party will include large interactive dinosaur puppets, fossil and artifact digging pits, face painting, cotton candy and much more.

Program participants are divided into four categories: ages 0 to 4, ages 5 to 12, ages 13 to 17 and ages 18 and older. Younger readers will get a ticket for every five books they read.

The program concludes on July 18 with a finale celebration that Bridges has dubbed the Messtiful, a messy festival. It will include powder and finger-painting activities, a foam party and the Hopkinsville Fire Department will be in attendance to cool everyone off with their fire hose.

Folks don’t have to be library cardholders to participate in the Summer Reading Program. Those interested can register by visiting the library at 1101 Bethel Street.