The Georgetown Public Library’s children’s and teen summer reading programs ended August 2, and as usual, the good times that were had by all would not have been possible without the financial support of friends from the community. This year we extend sincere thanks to the Friends of the Georgetown Library, the Sun City Kiwanis, and James and Duane Bolton, who sponsored the special events that the children enjoyed. More than 500 kids registered for the summer program for children and total attendance at the special events topped 5,000. On the teen side, 50 young adults registered for the summer program and a total of 250 attended the weekly events, for which the Friends of the Library gave generous support.
Although Ms. Rosa does all of the planning of events and contracting with performers, at her side much of the time, and always when there is an event, is Ms. Kathleen, that is, Kathleen Burnop, who has worked with children’s programs for thirteen years. These two members of the library staff provide the children’s programs all year long and, with help from Bethni King, the young adult librarian, and others from the public services staff, provide customer service at the circulation desk in the children’s room. Ms. Rosa and Ms. Kathleen are two very busy women and that’s where the volunteers come in.
Two special friends gave us the invaluable gifts of their time and talent to make the summer programs successful. For the eleventh year Laura Snyder drove from Belton to donate her creative services, offering nine weekly craft programs for the 7-12 year olds. This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of children’s summer reading programs in Texas, she chose nine of her favorite projects from years past.
Mary Beth Huba, who supposedly retired several years ago from her position as chief summertime storyteller, just can’t stay away. This was the twenty-fourth year she has delighted the kids with her special summer storytimes. It wouldn’t be the Georgetown Public Library’s summer reading program without Ms. Huba–she doesn’t just read stories, she brings them to life!
John Miller and the students from his Kuk Sool Won school provided demonstrations of martial arts for both the children’s and the teens’ programs. Their programs never fail to draw large crowds and the number of martial arts books we check out always increases afterward.
Even scientists came to the library’s aid this summer. Dr. Willis Weigand brought his knowledge of chemistry to the teens one afternoon when he helped them make slime concoctions and showed them the wonders of liquid nitrogen.
And finally there are the dedicated helpers who smoothed logistics for the big crowds at the kick-off, the petting zoo, the grande finale, and the recent sleepover. Families whom we have been recognizing for years keep returning, even when the tots have become teenagers: the Abes (Debbie, Elizabeth, Caroline and Stephanie), the Clays (Robyn, Collin and Charys), the Carpenters (Chris, CJ, and Cassidy), and the Rafiques (Sarah, Sadaf, and Noreen). Add to those Elliot Wilde, Martha Paul, Jason Kirkpatrick, Marla Brown, the Wades (Virginia, Danielle, and Ashlyn), Rachel Mahagan, and face painters Caitlin Bagwell and Kaitlyn Phelps. Jerrod Baker did yeoman’s work at the sleepover, for which Ms. Rosa, in her sleep-deprived state, was especially grateful.
Finally, we are always grateful to businesses who make gifts of food or drink. This year McDonald’s provided a cooler of orange juice and 200 cups for the kick-off.
