Welcome to the 2008 Summer Library Program in the Children’s Department at the Hays Public Library. This summer library program is designed to be FUN, encouraging you to read for the enjoyment of it. We want to emphasize the entertainment and fun associated with books, reading and coming to the library. Finally, we want to offer children a chance to use their imaginations to travel through the wonderful world of books, their creativity to develop crafts and their knowledge to engage in computer technology.

Fun in the Sun Photo Contest

We're having a contest to help promote reading. Photographs of children reading anything, anywhere, will be judged, with the best entries being used to promote next year's summer reading program. Learn more about the contest and submit photographs here.

Reading Groups

We will have five reading groups this summer. 1) Lap Readers, 2) Kindergarten Readers, 3) 1st Grade Readers, 4) 2nd Grade Readers and 5) 3rd Grade Readers.

Reading charts will be available for each group. There will be room for the titles of 10 books that you have read. K-3 reading participants will receive coupons from sponsors when they have read 10 books, 20 books and 30 books. Participants will also get their name put in a drawing for backpacks and book bags for every 10 books read during our program. Lap Readers will record the titles of books that are read to them and can pick a prize each time they visit the library.

* Book lists may also be turned in on-line by clicking here.

Tuesday, May 27, is the first day to turn in reading charts. The final day to turn in reading charts is Thursday, July 31.

Kick-Off Party

The Kick-Off Party for the 2007 Summer Library Program will be held on Tuesday, May 27 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Children will be treated to special events and snacks.

A special performance by Whee! Three Kings (puppet show) will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Ending Party

The Ending Party will be held on Friday, August 1 at 12:30 PM. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks will be served. Picnic passes will be necessary to attend and can be picked up in the children’s department. A special program will begin at 2:00 featuring Kayla Atkins.

Make-It-&-Take-It Crafts

Craft projects may be completed anytime during library hours. This will be an open station in the department and animal crafts can be completed weekly. You do not need to register for crafts this summer, just come and enjoy. The Kansas Arts Commission and the Hays Public Library sponsor this activity.

Summer Story Hours

Story hours will be held in the Children’s Department from June 2 to July 31.
The schedule for children Ages 3 Through 6 is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 10:00 to 10:30.
The schedule for Two-Year-Olds is Monday and Tuesday – 10:45 to 11:05.
Finally, the schedule for Toddlers (children under the age of two) is Wednesday - 10:45 to 11:00.
Parents need to select the day and time of the story hours they wish to enroll their child in. You may enroll by coming to the library or calling 625-5916.

Special Story Time with the Hays Larks

Thursday, June 26th, the Hays Larks will visit the 10am story hour and share some of their favorite books.

M & M's – Munch 'n Movie

Children will enjoy eating munchies and watching a movie on a hot summer afternoon. Snacks will be provided for children while they watch a movie in the children’s activity room. M & M’s will be held on July 14 and 30 at 2:00 p.m.

Youth BINGO

Children will enjoy coming to the library to play BINGO on Thursday, May 29, June 5, 12, 19, and 26, and July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Prizes will be given to the winner of each game.

Book in a Bag

Book In A Bag is a nutrition education program using books and a food activity. The Kansas State Research and Extension Family Nutrition Program sponsor this program. Enrollment is limited to 40 children. Please enroll in the children’s department or call 625-5916.

County Fair Craft Time

The Children’s Department is working with the Ellis County Fair Association to have special craft sessions. The theme for this session is “Catch The Reading Bug”. The crafts completed during these times will be entered in the Ellis County Fair. Enrollment will be limited to 25 per session. Please enroll at the children’s desk.

Youth Chess Lessons and Tournament

Children can come to the library for chess lessons on Wednesdays, June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 2:00 p.m. Randy Brull will be teaching the lessons, so expect to improve your chess skills and have a lot of fun. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Please call the children’s department at 625-5916 to enroll.

The annual Summer Chess Tournament will be held on Friday, July 25 beginning at 9:30 am in the Children’s Department. Participants can register in advance at the children's desk.

Catch the Reading Bug

Susan Schlichting, Ellis County 4-H and Youth Agent and Stacy Campbell, Ellis County Agricultural Agent will present two exciting programs on bugs during July. The programs will include stories and activities and will be fun and educational. The first will be held on Monday, July 7 at 2:00 pm and the second program on Monday, July 28 at 2:00 pm. Both programs are limited to 40 participants.

Holly Werth, Ellis County Horticulturalist, will present a program on ants on Monday July 21 at 2:00 p.m. Holly has an interesting ant farm to share and discuss with participants. This program is limited to 40 participants.

Special Events at 2:00pm in the Children's Department

RIF – Reading is Fundamental – Book Distribution Dates

Tuesday, May 27 and Friday, August 1 will be our RIF book distribution days. Children preschool through fifth grade will be able to select a book at each of these dates to keep as their own.

For more information on any programs, please call the Children's Department at (785)625-5916.