On June 1, Marshall Public Library in Pocatello will launch its summer reading program from 2-4 p.m.
Librarians will introduce their theme, “A Universe of Stories,” by having Star Wars characters roam around the library. They’ll also have astronaut food to try.
Many libraries throughout the country are focusing on the same summer reading theme.
Katherine Poulter, children’s librarian at Marshall Public Library said this year marks the 50th anniversary of man on the moon, which is probably what inspired it.
Poulter has been a children’s librarian for Marshall Public Library for 15 years.
“It really is the joy of my life,” she said.
Her favorite part about being a librarian is working with children and seeing their lives improve because of reading.
Each year, the summer reading program consists of three different age divisions.
The children’s division is ages 0-11. The library has more than 30 different activities including making a homemade gift, reading in a tree, or reading to a pet. Once they have completed 10 activities, they can redeem a prize from the library.
Throughout the year, the library receives recommendations on activities kids can do, and then they compile them for summer programs.
Poulter expressed her concern for children who do not read during the summer. She said they become less fluent in reading and their skills diminish.
“If a child is reading all of the different activities that they’ve done throughout the year such as, math and science will also stay in their minds,” she said.
The teenagers and adults have other activities and reading challenges they can participate in. Additional information can be found on their website at https://www.marshallpl.org/
Programs are offered every day at the library for children and teenagers.
Art classes are offered on Mondays, a movie night for young adults on Tuesdays, guest speakers in the community will speak to the children on Wednesdays, children’s movie night on Thursdays and S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities on Fridays.
On Tuesdays, a book wagon will go around to different parks in Pocatello. https://marshallpl.org/library-services/youth-services/bookwagonSchedule.html Librarians will read to children, and they’ll be able to check out books and find a book that they can keep forever, she said.
“I would urge anyone to look on our library website and see what’s coming up, what activities are for the day, for the week, for the month and then you can plan according,” she said. “Everyone is always welcome!”