FARMINGTON -- Now that school is out, the Farmington, Lincoln and Prairie Grove libraries are gearing up for their summer reading programs.
The three libraries are using the theme, "All Together Now" with a focus on community, friendships and people working together.
Farmington Public Library
Farmington kicked off its summer reading program recently with the mobile art lab from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. The art lab is a traveling pop-up art experience that features regional artists from across Northwest Arkansas.
Children, teenagers and adults were able to create and decorate a paper doll and then place their artwork on a community mural that will stay with the Farmington library.
Rachel Sawyer, director, said the library will have something almost every day during the summer reading program for all ages.
For those who want to participate in reading for prizes, this program goes from June 1-July 31. Reading and activity trackers can be picked up are available.
Special events and programs over the summer include a special reading of "Benny in the Garden" by Matt and Melissa Cooper, an '80s movie marathon for teenagers, a reading by State Poet Laureate Suzanne Rhodes, a program on jugglology, a creative program by children's book illustrator Rick Davis, teen writing/illustrating workshop, a STEAM program, teen trivia contest, magic show and a foam cannon.
A Kids Corner is held 3 p.m. Wednesdays and a Tween Time at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays through the month of June.
For more information, go to the library's website, cityoffarmingtonar.com, and look under the library link and its community calendar tab. In addition, people can sign up for the monthly newsletter through the library's page.
Lincoln Public Library
Lincoln's summer reading program starts June 1, and special events over the summer will be Science Guy Steve Cox, Magician: Mysterious One and Marshall Mitchell's Cowboy Singalong.
The program ends with the traditional magic show and foam cannon play June 28.
All programs will be held outside on the Lincoln Square. The community building on the square is closed to the public because of safety reasons.
To participate in the reading program, register at Lincoln Library, 107 W. Bean St., choose a challenge, and then read and enter to win prizes.
The library also is sponsoring a summer kids' art contest open to children ages 6-14 who are enrolled or registered as home school in the Lincoln Consolidated School District. Only one entry per person is allowed, and the deadline is June 30 to enter the contest to win a prize.
Prizes will be awarded for two age groups, 6-10 and 11-14, and will be $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.
The theme for the art contest is a character or scene from the contestant's favorite book.
For more information about the summer reading program or the art contest, go to lincolnarlibrary.com.
Prairie Grove Public Library
Prairie Grove kicks off its summer reading program with a pool party from 7:15-9:15 p.m. June 12 at Prairie Grove Aquatic Park.
Story time hour for babies, toddlers and prekindergarten will be held 10 a.m. Wednesdays and will focus on community to match the theme for the summer.
Special events for the summer reading program will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and these include George Reader the Magician, Marty the Balloon Man, Aaron Acosta magic show and foam party, Steven Cox Super Science, Richard Holgren Flying Debris and an "epic" inflatables water day July 19.
The library also will have its elementary and middle school Lego Clubs over the summer.
Going along with the community theme this summer, the library is encouraging people to donate nonperishable food items and hygiene products for the Prairie Grove 24/7 Emergency Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the library or at any of the events over the summer.
For more information, go to the Facebook page for Prairie Grove Public Library.
Lynn Kutter/Enterprise-Leader Artist María de Lourdes Valverde Galindo, right, stands with Levi Plant, 7, and his sister, Mae Plant, 5, of Farmington, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, as they point out their decorated paper dolls on a community mural for Farmington Public Library. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville set up its mobile art lab last week to introduce guests to a paper doll portrait activity and community mural activity inspired by "Diego Riveras America." Galindo, who created the mural, was on site to help and visit with children and their parents. The theme for the summer reading program is "All Together Now."
Lynn Kutter/Enterprise-Leader Farmington Public Library had a great turnout Tuesday, May 23, 2023, for its kickoff to the summer reading program. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville brought its mobile art lab to the library for guests to create a paper doll to place on a community mural. Children, teenagers and adults all participated in the activity.
Lynn Kutter/Enterprise-Leader Vivian Dixon, 5, of Farmington, colors a paper doll during an activity May 23 sponsored by Crystal Bridges of Bentonville at Farmington Public Library. After she finished, Vivian placed her paper doll on a community mural.