Wichita libraries returning to ‘new normal’ with in-person summer reading programs

After two years of hosting online and hybrid reading programs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wichita in-person summer reading programs are making a comeback.

With COVID much reduced but still lurking, the programs won’t be exactly the same as they were pre-pandemic, said Erin Downey Howerton, youth services manager for the library system.

“We are still taking safety measures to ensure programs are socially distanced, and are encouraging staff and customers to wear masks if they wish,” said Downey Howerton. “We are limiting participation numbers in most of our youth programs to ensure simple safety measures can be in play.”

The theme of the summer reading program is Ocean of Possibilities.

The program, serving children and teens ages 3-18, will begin on May 31 and end on July 28 at multiple locations.

Registration is required to participate and some activities may have limited space, depending on location. Children and their parents can contact library branch locations for specifics.

Downey Howerton said the library’s aim is for kids to have the opportunity to be independent in their educational choices. She said the summer reading program is designed to prevent learning loss while kids are not in school.

In addition to program activities, participants will have the opportunity to win prizes for daily reading.

If a child reads 20 minutes a day for 10 straight days — or if they are pre-reading age and someone reads to them — they can present their library log to any of the branch locations to win a prize.

The summer program highlights reading by choice, said Savannah Ball, manager of the Rockwell branch library in east Wichita.

Ball said during the school year, most children are in a hurry to find materials for school projects or homework before evening sports practices.

“During the summer they can come in and take their time browsing and seeing a wide variety of material to check out . . . to read and watch for fun,” Ball said.

Downey Howerton said the Wichita library system plans to showcase a wide variety of materials reflecting the diversity of their readers.

“We want them to be able to see themselves in books reflected back at them and also to get a window onto other people’s lives,” she said. “So being able to offer a wide variety of literature to young people really helps underscore the choice element of summer reading and we are happy to be able to do that.”

The Early Literacy Program will have a bingo game children under three can play with their parents or guardians throughout the program. Those who complete five bingo activities will earn a prize.

The Wichita Library will also have a free children’s concert series this summer at Naftzger and Riverside parks.

Naftzger Park is at 601 E. Douglas and Riverside Park is at 720 N. Nims.

Each concert will start at 10:30 a.m. at Naftzger and 3 p.m. at Riverside.

The first concert of the series will be on June 6. The theme of the concert is “Laughing Matters” and it will feature jugglers.

Downey Howerton said she hopes the concerts in the park will inspire imagination through music for children.

“It’s really geared towards their growing brains,” Downey Howerton said.

Reading logs can be completed on a mobile device by downloading the Beanstack app and searching for the Wichita Public Library, and can also be downloaded on the library website.

Paper reading logs can be picked up at any library branch.