Welcome to the 2009 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.

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 special prizes for every 10 books read during our program. Lap Readers will record the number 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 26, is the first day to turn in reading charts. The final day to turn in reading charts is Friday, July 31.

Kick-Off Party

The Kick-Off Party for the 2009 Summer Library Program will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Children will be treated to special events and snacks.

A special performance by Big Red will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Ending Party

The Ending Party will be held on Saturday, August 1 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks will be served. Games & activities will be available. Ending Party Passes will be necessary to attend and can be picked up in the children’s department. Big Red will return for entertainment.

Drawings for prizes will also take place during the Ending Party. This year's Grand Prizes are four bicycles (for different ages) and a Wii game console.

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 1 to July 29.
The schedule for children Ages 3 Through 6 is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 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. There is a limit of 25 children per story hour.

Children's Signing Time

New this summer in the Children’s Department is Children’s Signing Time. Children and parents will learn basic sign language on Thursdays in June at 10:45 a.m. Parents must attend with their child. Please register to attend.

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 at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3; Monday, July 6; and Monday, July 20.

Character Counts!

Join Susan Schitchling, Ellis Co. 4-H agent, in learning the Six Pillars of Good Character on Tuesdays, July 7 & 21 at 2:00 p.m. Please register to attend.

Youth BINGO

Children will enjoy coming to the library to play BINGO on Thursday, May 28, June 4, 11, 18, and 25, and July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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 25 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 crafts completed during these times will be entered in the Ellis County Fair. Enrollment will be limited to 20 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 17, 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22 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 25 participants. Please call the children’s department at 625-5916 to enroll.

The annual Summer Chess Tournament will be held on Friday, July 24 beginning at 9:30 am in the Children’s Department. Participants can register in advance at the children's desk.

Western Kansas String Academy Concerts

Join the WKSA for two concerts this summer in the Children’s Department. The first concert will be on Friday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. featuring the Fiddling Group. The second concert will be held on Friday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. featuring the String Rock group.

Hog Night

Join the Harley Owners Group for a HOG night on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 PM in the Swinging Bridge Park. Children will be able to have a ride along with a parent’s signed release. Motorcycle safety will be presented along with the ride alongs.

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

Scholastic Literacy Partnership Book Distribution Dates

Tuesday, May 26 and Saturday, August 1 will be our Scholastic Literacy Partnership 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.