Library holds ‘Down on the Farm’ summer reading program

The Gladys Johnson Ritchie Public Library in Jacksboro started its summer reading program Tuesday, encouraging kids to stay engaged and continue learning while on summer break.

This summer’s program “Down on the Farm” coordinates with the Jack County Extension Office along with 4-H members, sponsors and parents for activities.

The program starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until about noon each Tuesday through June 30.

Each week the Extension Office, headed by Jack County Extension Agent Alinda Cox, will present a program.

This week, 4-H sponsor and Jacksboro ISD educator Bailey Clack began the chick hatching process while 4-H mom and sponsor Fawnya Chadwell and 4-H member Will Chadwell brought bunnies for kids to learn about and engage with.

Other programs will focus on food sources like growing crops or raising livestock, and kids will get an opportunity to plant seeds and learn more about goats and sheep.

The library’s Executive Director Lenora Joslin said Librarian Kelly Hensley will be available in the mornings to sign children in, take any special instructions, check out books, provide directions to activities, issue new library cards and pass out reading logs. 

“We are a bit short-staffed at the desk right now, so please tell your children to be patient with us,” Joslin said. “Hopefully our other librarian will be back with us next week.”

Joslin said last year’s summer reading program was the best the library ever had, praising the help and involvement from JHS students. She hoped to build upon that success by including local members of 4-H, FCCLA and FFA.

During the program, children are divided into two groups—ages 4-7 and ages 8-12.

Jacksboro High School student and FCCLA and FFA member Lilly Lopez, assisted by her sister Annarose Lopez, will read an age-appropriate book to each group every week. 

Either Joslin or librarian Aracely Ochoa and JHS student, FCCLA, FFA and 4-H member Hayleigh Fudge will lead crafts. 

The two groups will switch activities once the book reading is finished.

Also available through the summer reading program are extra coloring pages, bookmarks and additional crafts kids can take home.

Kids are encouraged to check out books to read at home, then record them in a reading log for a chance at prizes at the end of the month. The kid who reads the most books gets first pick of prizes, though each participant should receive a prize.

Those attending the summer reading program will also earn a ticket each week to be placed in a drawing for a bicycle. Two bikes will be given away—one for the 4-7 age group and another for the 8-12 age group.

“We are excited to be working with these talented high school students and the Jack County Extension Office, offering your child the opportunity to not only maintain their reading skills but also to learn and—hopefully—become interested in the very successful programs offered in our county,” Joslin said.

The library located at 626 W. College St. in Jacksboro is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. For more information call 940-229-6145.