Summer Reading virtual programs
Published 4:44 pm Monday, July 6, 2020
The Boyle County Public Library offers an eight-week summer literacy program for all ages that includes reading challenges hosted on the digital platform Beanstack and fun, interactive programs. The programs that usually draw large crowds each year have switched to digital platforms.
“With the COVID-19 closures and the transition to virtual connections, we’re all becoming accustomed to working in an online space,” Public Services Librarian Caleb Conover said. “I’m happy to have found collaborators and participants who are interested in pursuing this digital content.”
Virtual programs follow a regular weekly schedule, and new events are added throughout the month as the library staff work to create more content for the community to enjoy. The presenters this summer were originally scheduled to appear in-person, but due to pandemic restrictions they shared videos of their shows for viewers to enjoy instead.
Mark Wood’s Magical Fairy Tales show for families and kids is available to watch until July 15. Mark Wood is a popular magician who has performed at the library during the summer for several years. The link to view his virtual show can be found on the library’s website at BoylePubLib.org/SummerReadingPresenters.
Kids Yoga is also returning this month on Mondays at 2 p.m. with six virtual classes led by Natalie Perry, geared for ages 5-8 (but anyone can follow along).
UK Entomology group created Creature Features, a three-part video series of their insects and spiders, shows a red knee tarantula, southern devil scorpion, and hissing cockroaches.
Additional family show presenters to look forward to in July include Gleam and Glow Princesses, Kentucky Shakespeare, and Wonder Wheels. As they become available, these videos can be found on the presenter’s page on the website and the Boyle County Public Library YouTube channel.
The library also offers staff-led virtual programs. Each Monday, Young Adult Services Librarian Brittany Smith hosts a Weekly Update on Facebook Live to give a preview of the week’s upcoming events.
Two virtual storytime videos are offered each week. On Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Children’s Services Librarian Libby McWhorter shares ‘Storytime with Ms. Libby’ and on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Outreach Services Librarian Jana Oliver shares ‘Ms. Jana’s Traveling Tales.’
“I enjoy planning out each storytime by thinking of favorite activities that I enjoyed as a child and then searching our children’s collection at the library to find stories that I think the children will enjoy and that tie in well with the setting,” Oliver said.
McWhorter and Circulation Manager Kathy Phillips host the popular KidStir program on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. Kids ages 5-8 can follow along with the videos on how to make sweet summer treats.
Participants can call the library to register and pick up a free bag of the food supplies the Monday before each video premieres while supplies last.
Phillips also hosts cooking videos for adults to make simple recipes from home. Families looking to experiment at home with fun science and arts projects can find activities on Fridays at 10 a.m. with STEAM Activity videos by Youth Services Librarian Kinsey Hisle.
All these video series will be available on the library’s YouTube channel in saved playlists.
McWhorter is starting a new activity program called Crafts & More on Wednesdays in July. Geared for toddlers and preschoolers, participants can register to pick up a free bag of craft supplies that will also contain instructions on how to make that week’s craft, as well as give a suggestion of a science experiment that goes along with the theme.
The first Crafts & More pickup day is July 7 and the deadline to call the library to register is July 6 by noon.
Smith hosts a weekly live book chat series for teens called Nerd Herd on the library’s new Instagram account for teens at @boylepublibteens.
In July, the collective read is “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, which is available on Overdrive or the Libby app without a hold list.
“I’ve really enjoyed offering the program ‘Nerd Herd’ because it encourages teens to experience nature as they read,” said Smith. “Getting out of the house and being surrounded by other living things is helpful for my mental health and the hope is that teens will find the same to be true for them.”
Anyone interested in learning to play Dungeons and Dragons can join the new video series with Youth Services Assistant Amber Wesley on Thursdays at 2 p.m. this month, and can be found on the library’s YouTube channel.
Wesley will introduce the game and then explain important aspects like characters, game play, and how to be a Dungeon Master.
Adults interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons can join the virtual Adult D&D groups that meet on Sundays at noon and 4:30 p.m., hosted on the platform Discord.
“Adult D&D is my favorite virtual program,” said Programming Assistant Chuck Geither. “D&D has always been a huge creative outlet for me and getting to introduce it to others and offer them the same form of release through entertainment storytelling is gratifying and challenging.” Contact Geither to join cgeither@boylepublib.org.
The Outreach department offers virtual programs for their partners at local senior facilities, coordinating with their activity directors to bring the residents fun activities.
“I enjoy planning programs virtually because it gives me a chance to reach our community in new and creative ways,” Outreach Services Assistant Dana Benton said. “I am most excited about the memoir-writing workshop at McDowell Place. We will be focusing on favorite childhood memories, toys, holidays, and family history.”
When finished, participants will receive a copy of their memoir to give to their families. A combined book with all participants’ memoirs will also be made. “Residents are very excited to reminisce and share what we write each week,” said Benton.
Participation in the Summer Reading Program through Beanstack runs until July 31. All challenges and programs are free and available to the public. Go to BoylePubLib.org/SummerReading to learn more and to register for Beanstack.
Anyone needing assistance may contact the library Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. via email at library@boylepublib.org, or via Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/boylepublib. Patrons can also reach specific departments via the library’s website using the dropdown menu available on boylepublib.org/contact-us.
The Boyle County Public Library serves the city of Danville and the surrounding communities, and is actively committed to enriching the lives of its patrons. The library is located at 307 West Broadway in Danville, KY.