Summer Library Programs Ramp Up
Interview by Socalwritersshowcase.com
Serving a desert community with a population of 28,000 and located between Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada, the Ridgecrest branch of the Kern County Library system has big plans throughout the year. We asked Library Associate and branch supervisor Charissa Wagner about this summer’s highpoints.
Showcase: Let’s start with the summer reading challenge.
Wagner: Summer Reading Challenge asks participants of ALL AGES to choose to read or listen to 10 books or for 10 hours to be a finisher and keep their minds active over the summer. Those who continue reading and listening can be entered into bonus finisher drawing prizes.
Showcase: You’ll also have workshops and a theme, “Find Your Voice.” How will you carry that out?
Wagner: Following the theme, we will incorporate programs showcasing ways for people to find (and express) their voices. The obvious way is through singing, but we will also feature writing, art, music, community engagement, and hopefully baking programs. Some are performances while others are hands-on, like making music instruments and art. We have amazing volunteers and some wonderful presenting partners include: financial coach Rukiyah Polk, Sierra Amateur Radio Club, East Sierra Branch of the California Writers Club, and [RIDG]Gaming.
Showcase: For one workshop, you’ll partner with the East Sierra Branch of the California Writers Club. When, and what will happen there?
Wagner: From July 5-8, during the week we themed for Storytelling, two members will run a four-day Junior Writers’ Story Bootcamp. On the first three days, participants learn about characters and dialog, plot and action, and writing an ending, with K-5th grade from 3-4 pm and 6th-12th grade from 4-5 pm. On the fourth day, everyone learns how to put it all together from 3-4 pm.
Showcase: To attract young readers, you’ll bring in a juggler, puppeteer, and what else?
Wagner: Besides juggler David Cousin and Don with Omnipresent Puppet Theater, we will have performances from Magic Napoleon, Rudy Parris (“The Voice” contestant), Nathalia, and The Magic of Josiah through generous sponsors.
Showcase: You’ll provide lunch this summer as well. Tell us about that.
Wagner: We have offered summer lunch since 2018. This summer, lunch is available for in-person dining from 6/1-7/28, Tuesday-Friday between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm at no cost to anyone 18 and under thanks again to amazing partners.
Showcase: What feedback have you received about Summer Reading Challenge and Lunch at the Library?
Wagner: Surveys from Summer Reading Challenge and Lunch at the Library indicate that families appreciate and enjoy the different things we offer from crafts to performances to lunch. This summer kids will have something to do every day we are open. We also have programs for teens and adults. Last summer we had 176 children, 19 teens, and 52 adult finishers and hope to increase that this summer. We also served 1,978 lunches in a 21-day period, and during our last in person dining lunch service in 2019, we served 1,823 lunches in a 31-day period.