It is extremely important to keep kids reading throughout the summer to prevent the summer slide and even though our weekly programs have been modified, we continue to encourage kids to read and participate in our programs. The library has partnered with the Chinook Public Schools and will be offering a program Monday and Wednesday during the summer lunch service. We will have a Story Walk on the lawn in front of the Meadowlark from 12:00 to 1:30. We will be offering a Take and Make craft and we will have books available for checkout as well as a box of free books. Kids can register for the Summer Reading Program during this time. They can also register at the library during regular business hours. We are doing things a bit different this year with prizes. We are encouraging kids to “Read for our Community” and all the prizes are from local businesses. For every 2 hours read kids will get a sucker. Once they reach the 5-hour level, they will get a snack bar from Finley’s Food Farm. For 10 hours of reading they will receive a gift certificate to The Creamery and for 20 hours of reading they will receive a gift certificate to Rad’s Deli. When they return their 2-hour slips, they can write their name and phone number on the back and place it a drawing box for one of 3 big prizes. They can choose from a Simon Optix, a Fortnite X Super Soaker, or a Magic Drawing Pad and Tic Tac Toe Game, all purchased from Ace Hardware.

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. we will offer a Storytime program on the grass in front of the Grande Villa for ages 6 and under. It is geared toward a younger audience, but children of all ages are welcome to attend. We ask that you bring a blanket and have at least one parent or care giver. Keep a social distance of six feet and remain on your blanket throughout the program.

We will have Beat the Heat movies on Thursdays. There will be limited seating available to comply with social distancing. We will offer 2 showings of the movie the first from 12:30 to 2:00 and the second from 2:30 to 4:00. Children under 6 must have a parent or caregiver present during the movie. Reservations are recommended. Anyone without a reservation will be admitted on a first come/ first served basis.

We would like to remind everyone that the library is a Be Counted location for the Montana 2020 Census. If you have not filled out your Census form, stop in and we can get you set up to file your Census online. You do not need the card with your personal number that the Census mailed to fill out the form online. All you need to get started is your physical address.

New movies this week are Think Like a Dog and Onward. New books this week include: “Daddy’s Girl” by Danielle Steel, “Hideaway” by Nora Roberts, “Fair Warning” by Michael Connelly, and “Dance with Me” by Susan Phillips.