Summer Reading Program kicks off today
Also, Runaway June to perform Sept. 9; Reid Haughton opens
Today marks the beginning of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Summer reading program, “All Together Now.”
The Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be held at the KHCPL main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. today. There will be free food, activities, crafts, and entertainment in celebration of the Reading Program’s introduction. A featured guest Friday will be a visit by Indy 500 Princess Hailee Pearson, from 4-8 p.m.
The first 1,000 Summer Reading Program registrants will receive a free KHCPL tote and also a free, age-appropriate book.
A sneak peek of the program was held May 31 at the Library’s south branch. The event enabled early registration to the Summer Reading Program, and featured employees from the Indianapolis Children’s Museum promoting their “Take Action: Make a Difference Today” program which encourages readers to check out biographies about historic individuals such as Ryan White, Ruby Bridges, and Afghani activist Malala Yousafizai.
“This is a sneak peek at our Summer reading program, and we have been joined by our friends from the Children’s Museum,” said KHCPL Head of Marketing, Communication and Community Engagement Caele Pemberton. “And we are excited about our (Summer Reading Program) kickoff on Friday (June 2).”
Registering for the Summer Reading Program on Wednesday enabled readers to receive a token that would allow them first access to the Kick-Off today.
During the kick-off, there will be activities on every floor of the main branch library. Sign-ups for the Summer Reading Challenge take place on the main floor, where participants can grab their free totes and books. Upstairs, participants can play giant games like Jenga, cornhole, indoor golf, and more.
And if they work up an appetite, they can head down to the basement level for the treat of the hour, which could include popcorn, hot dogs, and more. The basement level will also be open with multiple crafts throughout the day.
Each year, the library’s Summer Reading Program encourages people of all ages to read throughout June and July. Those who keep up weekly streaks will earn prizes, and participants who complete four of the six weeks will earn a ticket to the end-of-summer Splish Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach. The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union.
People can still sign up after June 2 to participate in the program. Attending the kick-off party is not required in order to join.
Reading streaks can be tracked using a paper tracker, which will be given out as people sign up, or through the app Beanstack. Those who miss a day of reading can maintain their streak with power up stickers for activities such as donating, attending library programs and volunteering.
The program will include events throughout the summer, including two author visits. Brooke Anderson, author of “DJ’s Magic Paint,” will speak from 6-7 p.m. June 12 at KHCPL Main. Troy Cummings, author of “The Notebook of Doom” series, will speak from 2-3 p.m. June 29 at KHCPL South.
The Summer Reading Program is open to anyone of all ages. People do not need to have a KHCPL library card or live in Howard County in order to participate.
For more information on the Summer Reading Program, library services, and upcoming events, visit khcpl.org.
Runaway June joins Kokomo Summer Concert Series
The City of Kokomo is excited to announce that Runaway June will be taking the stage as part of the 2023 Summer Concert Series. The concert will take place on Sat., Sept. 9, at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park.
Runaway June is a Grammy-nominated country music trio made up of Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall, and Stevie Woodward. They made their first public performance together at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry and are currently on the road hitting stages in cities across the U.S.
The trio recently signed to Quartz Hill Records and digitally released their current single “Make Me Wanna Smoke” on May 19. They have toured with Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Nominations include 2019 CMT Awards and 2019 ACM for New Vocal Duo or Group of The Year.
The show will be opened by singer/songwriter Reid Haughton. Occupying the creative crossroads where country, rock, and soul collide, River House Artists’ Haughton is a pure front man, raised on the stage and steeped rock ‘n’ roll, and a Nashville singer-songwriter working to put gritty live-show magic back where it belongs … at the center of everything.
All concerts are general admission seating and are free to the public.
Visit http://kokomosummerseries.com for more information on the series overall. All dates and acts subject to change without notice.
This year’s concert lineup also includes Myron Elkins Band, The Downstroke Band, Ace Frehley, Starship, Los Colognes, Rhumfest, and the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra performing with The Piano Man: Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel & Elton John.