'Unearth a Story' this summer at Mary Cotton Public Library

Dirt, dinosaurs and history will be unearthed this summer during Mary Cotton Public Library’s Summer Reading program. MCPL will host a variety of events and activities that support the program’s theme of “Unearth a Story.”

Readers of all ages can explore working together during this summer’s reading program. The program runs May 18 to July 20, with regular programming running May 26 through the end of June. Registration opens online and in-person on Monday, May 18. Participants can begin earning prizes May 26.

Summer Reading is a great way to keep children engaged, maintain skills over the summer and encourage learning and growth through reading and new experiences. It’s free for children of all ages to participate.

Reading Challenges

Readers are divided into three age groups (age zero through second grade, third through fifth grade and sixth through 12th grade). Each age group has goals to inspire reading all summer long. Children must read and log the specified number of books. Everyone who completes their first goal will receive a prize from the MCPL prize box. Upon completion of the second goal, participants will receive a free ice cream cone from Gene’s Corner. Upon completion of their third reading goal, participants will receive a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut AND earn a ticket for the prize drawings. After reaching subsequent goals, participants will earn tickets to put into prize drawings. “Ticket prizes” include a variety of items and gift cards donated by area individuals and businesses. Be on the lookout for the list of ticket prizes, which will be posted in the library and online once it is finalized.

Weekly Programs

Mark your calendars for a full schedule of events this summer! Regular programming will run through the month of June and conclude with a special Summer Reading Celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the Library Park.

Storytime: 10 a.m. Tuesdays — Story Time will be led by the youth librarian, Sheri Edelman. Storytime is geared to baby through second grade, but all ages are welcome.

Picnic in the Park: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays — Bring your lunch, chairs and blankets and enjoy a special themed program. 

Explore and Crafting: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays — Learn a bit of trivia and create a craft. These sessions are designed for elementary students who just completed second grade and up. 

Other Events

World Bee Day Celebration: 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, featuring a presentation by T-House Honey, at the MCPL outdoor stage. The presentation is sponsored by Sabetha Chamber. A bee craft will be held in the library following the presentation.

Summer Reading Kick-off at City Hall: 11:45 a.m. Thursday, May 28, featuring LegoMan of NYC who will host a Lego building event for all ages. Please note this event will be held at City Hall.  

STEAM Lessons with Brown County Extension Office: 10 a.m., Mondays in June & July — The Brown County Extension Office will send an intern to MCPL to present a STEAM activity for school age children. No lesson on July 13.

LEGO Building Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays in July, in the library meeting room.

Summer Reading Celebration: 5:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 20, at the Library Park. To conclude the summer reading program, Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library is sponsoring a celebration that includes food vendors, games and fun. Winners of the summer reading ticket prizes will be announced at this free event. 

Registration 

Registration for “Unearth a Story” opens Monday, May 18. It is free and open to children ages 0-18. Sign up online at www.sabethalibrary.org/summer-reading or in person at the library, 915 Virginia Street. All programs are free of charge. Start earning prizes on May 26.

For more information, visit the MCPL website at www.sabethalibrary.org/summer-reading, email info@sabethalibrary.org, follow @MaryCottonPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram, visit in person at 915 Virginia Street or call 785-284-3160. 

The library’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.