By Mary Owen
Behind every story is a “hero,” and the Stayton Public Library has eight to talk about during its summer reading program.
“Children are invited to the library to track their summer reading, win prizes, attend special library events and performances, and discover the world of reading,” said Lisa Krigbaum, SPL’s storyteller.
“Our goal is to increase literary skills by engaging youth in reading and reading-related activities over the summer.”
A kick-off party, “Grow into Reading,” will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 6 at the library.
“Come join the Stayton Public Library and Friends of the Family,” Krigbaum said. “There will be arts and crafts, face painting, hot dogs, free books, and more!”
Krigbaum said detailed summer reading information will be provided at the kick-off, which will be followed by sign-ups at the library on June 8. SPL will also host Hero Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Performer Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. each week.
The theme this year is “Every Hero Has a Story,” and SPL’s heroes – five by school nominations and three by community recommendations – are:
Bryan Dyer, vice-principal at Aumsville Elementary;
Chuck Larimer, physical education teacher at Stayton Elementary;
Steve Ellis, janitor at Stayton Elementary;
Pedro Medina, janitor at Sublimity Schools;
Rachel Clark, music teacher at St. Mary School;
Brody, K-9 officer with the Stayton Police Department;
Dr. Guesly Dessieux, who has headed mission trips and works at Santiam Hospital; and
Barbara Nelson, firefighter with the Stayton Fire District.
“Posters, buttons and other materials showcase our community heroes,” Krigbaum said. “Community heroes will be invited to attend the final party in August.”
Krigbaum said the library chose to use heroes from the community that local children and families recognize.
“We wanted to emphasize that there are heroes all around us doing extraordinary things in our community,” she said.
Every child in the greater North Santiam Canyon is invited to participate in the free program, and about 350 are expected, she said.
Reading programs for teens, “Unmask!” and adults, “Escape the Ordinary,” are also slated for summer.
“Summer reading ‘mascots’ are hiding in businesses in Stayton and Sublimity for participants to spot around town,” Krigbaum said. “Return to the library after spotting a mascot and enter for a chance to win the mascot!”
The Stayton Public Library summer reading program is supported by the Stayton Public Library Foundation, Stayton Friends of the Library, city of Stayton, and Friends of the Family.
For information, visit the Stayton Public Library Foundation’s Facebook page or www.staytonlibraryfoundation.org.
