Ephrata Library offers summer activities

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Public Library, part of the NCW Libraries system, has spent this summer celebrating a theme of “Read, Renew, Repeat” to keep children engaged in reading. The goal is to keep children reading and learning, library staff said. 

The staff of the Ephrata Library has spent this summer helping kids read, renew skills and enhance those skills through repetition this summer. “Read, Renew, Repeat” has had a goal to create a connection to crucial resources and opportunities that foster individual growth and strengthen the community, library staff said.  This includes keeping kids from believing that reading is just a ¨chore¨ completed for English class.  

"Our theme this year is read, renew, repeat, and a lot of our activities and our suggested reads have the theme of being environmentally conscious and being better citizens," Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein said.   

Each summer, parents throughout Grant County search for options to keep their children entertained. NCW Library branches throughout the area work to meet that need. Families across Grant County visit the library to see their children participate in summer activity offerings.  

The Ephrata Library’s summer schedule includes activities such as wood burning, storytime, Crafternoon, Puppets in the Park, Ukulele Circle, Trails & Tales, and other family-friendly events. Also, all the festivities offered at the libraries across NCW are eco-friendly, part of the goal of making the library’s curriculum eco-friendly. 

Library activities continue into the school year. Library staff work to extend a helping hand to kids during the school year, allowing them to continue their investment in reading beyond the summer months.  Loeffelbein explains that the provides for educational growth to plow ahead instead of finding themselves coming to a halt. The summer programs allow for the kids to remain present while also being exposed to the freshness of the air. The program involves trips to local parks to engage in outdoor activities that aid in sharpening the minds of students while also providing that renewed moment, showing a connection back to the library’s brand initiatives. These efforts create an environment where kids feel refreshed.  

Noting that different age ranges have different interests, library staff work to create fitting activities for a variety of ages.  

"We have something for everyone, and we break it down by age groups," Loeffelbein added.  

Parents and children who visit a public library near them can be assured they are walking into a welcoming environment. To not turn anyone away, the summer programs provided by NCW Libraries have an unlimited number of slots available. All children are invited to come meet others, read, and interact with library staff. The library system also works to ensure materials are available in Spanish for those who don’t speak English as a primary language.  

"What we often see is moms getting to know each other through story time, so their kids are connecting, they´re getting to know each other and there are these groups of people that are just getting to be at the library," Loeffelbein said.

For further information on the summer program and to access its digital calendar visit the library’s website at https://bit.ly/3HsgfA7. 

Regan Shannon is a student at Ephrata High School interested in learning about journalism.  

    A mother and her child participate in an August 8 Splatter Paint session at the Ephrata Library.
  

    Ephrata Library Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein gets the fun started during a Tuesday evening karaoke party at the library. About 20 people attended the event, including children, parents and folks that just wanted to have fun singing.