Summer Activities Were a Hit at Ankeny Library

The last day of July marked the end of another part of summer, bringing to a close summer reading program and activities.

July 31 was the final day of the Ankeny library’s summer programming. Library officials are calling this an excellent year, adding attendance was up at almost every activity.

“It was a great summer,” said Sherry Schlundt, children’s librarian at Kirkendall. “We’re always trying to do new things and keep things exciting.”

The library’s summer programming, which officially kicked off June 6, offered area kids almost two months of books, games and other activities.

Among the schedule of activities were Wednesday movies at Northview Middle School.

“We had great attendance at the movies,” said Kelly Munter, children’s librarian at Kirkendall. “We probably had at least 240 kids at each one.”

The library also offered each week, as well as special presenters such as and Iowa Public Television’s Dan Wardell. Kids also got to take part in activities such as Tail Waggin’ Tutors and Read to a Rodent.

“We usually try to have a number of different activities,” Schlundt said. “Each thing we do really attracts a different person.”

The library also started a new book group for kids this summer called the Martha Speaks Book Club. Both Munter and Schlundt said the group, which included kids in kindergarten through second grade, will return this fall.

Kids also were able to log the amount of hours they spent reading this summer. Those who read the most will receive prizes.

“We should be drawing names soon and will then start distributing prizes,” Munter said.

Munter said the jump in participation this year could be due to the constant growth of the community. She said library staff also tries to spend more time in schools prior to summer, spreading the word to kids about what the library offers during the summer weeks.

Schlundt said the kids play a big role, too.

“We really get to know the kids in here,” she said. “They take that home with them, and then they bring their friends.

Schlundt said she encourages families to involve their kids in this year’s fall programming. Activities will kick off in September and October.

Returning this fall will be the Martha Speaks Book Club, Tail Waggin’ Tutors and Read to a Rodent. Programs also on the schedule include take and make crafts, tot time, Reading Buddies, family movies and many more.

There will be activities for young children through high schoolers. For more information, contact the library at 515-965-6460, option 4.

Both Munter and Schlundt said they are pleased so many kids took advantage of the summer programs this year.

“The library really is a wonderful world to be in,” Schlundt said. “It’s a place to meet others who are interested in the same things, but it’s also a place to meet new people.”