In the Books: Another Great Summer for Waukee Public Library
Summer Reading Was a Huge Success
The Waukee Public Library teems with summertime activities. From our popular summer reading program to our special events and guests, there’s always something for everyone.
This year was no different. The summer reading program helps children retain their reading skills even when school’s not in session. This year’s program drew a record number of participants. Over 2,300 people of all ages took part in the summer reading challenge, which gives kids the opportunity to win prizes for reading. That’s up from 2,000 last year—an increase of 13 percent. The library gave out 2,000 books for kids to add to their home libraries, as well as hundreds of other prizes.
“We’re ecstatic about the turnout for our programs this summer,” said Kristine Larson, Waukee Public Library director. “It really shows that community members are interested in reading and learning.”
Each special event this summer centered around the summer reading theme, “Build a Better World.” Science, technology, engineering and math were at the core of the events, which included everything from “Greek Mythology Star Lab” to “Bee Bots Coding,” an introduction to robot coding for kindergarten through second graders.
Other successful events included Friday morning programs, which featured the Science Center, Blank Park Zoo, Jester Puppets, a magic show, stories in the park, and an Iowa favorite—butter carving. The library ended the summer with a solar eclipse viewing program on August 21.
Overall, over 4,000 people attended these programs. That is a 33 percent increase from 3,000 attendees last summer.
The Summer Reading Program was sponsored by the Waukee Fareway as part of a generous partnership.
Our Wandering Library Brings the Library to You
The library has also introduced its Wandering Library, a fully functional library on wheels that allows you to check out books and sign up for library cards. It’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot and even carries sidewalk chalk, crafts and bubbles.
The Wandering Library allows the library to reach out directly to residents. With it, the library attended the Fourth of July parade, Waukee Arts Festival, the Park Play events, storytimes, and even Warrior Lanes Bowling Alley. “We’ve had a great time meeting new residents and showing off the library bike to many inquisitive children,” said library director Larson.
Big Things Are Still to Come
This fall, the library will introduce even more new ways to get involved. For example, the first Roll & Read event will take place Saturday, September 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. For this event, parents with children under the age of five are invited to bring their wagons, skates and strollers to Fox Creek Park. There will be a special walk around the park trail, followed by the opportunity to register kids for the library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program.
Special guests will be reading stories, and community businesses will be handing out information and prizes at the finish line.
“Reading to your kids is incredibly important,” said youth services librarian Keri Weston-Stoll. “We think this event will help families with young children connect with one another and share their love of reading.”
Other exciting things happening this fall include a refresh to the children’s section, with all new paint, carpeting and activities, and a partnership with the Waukee School District. The library will share updates on these projects as more information becomes available.
Check out the Waukee Public library Facebook page to stay aware of updates, including the Wandering Library bike and other programs!
To find out more about the Waukee Public Library, visit waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact the library at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.