Children participating in the Summer Reading Program at Jesse Yancy Memorial Library in Bruce will receive some extra benefits this year thanks to the involvement of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Mississippi.
The library’s summer program, entitled “Libraries Rock,” kicked off last night with the first “family night” with Animal Tales in the Square Theater. It continues throughout June every Monday and Tuesday at the library during the day and special programs at the theater Tuesday nights.
The university’s involvement will include providing a free lunch each day for all the kids in the program, a 30-minute nutrition class and collecting survey information from the children.
“We are complementing the existing Library Reading Program this summer with food and related activities. Each week, lunch will be provided for the children and a food-related activity will be done with the children. For example, on June 4 and 5, the children will plant basil and be able to take it home,” Dr. David Holben of Ole Miss said. “The Farm-to-YOUth! team has been working in Bruce and Calhoun County for the last two years. We are hoping to learn what foods and activities the children like, so that we can continue to partner with the library next year. We will hope to learn what the older children and teens think about science. We also hope to learn what the teens think about food over the summer in their community.”
All children that participate will receive a free backpack. Children in the 13-18-year-old class will also receive a digital camera.
“We’re excited to have the university be a part of our summer program this year,” Librarian Janice Vaughn said. “It will open a lot of new opportunities for the children.”
The weekly schedule will be as follows:
Mondays
11 a.m. 0-4 year-olds
12 p.m. lunch
12:30 p.m. nutrition class
1 p.m. 9-12 year-olds
Tuesdays
11 a.m. 5-8 year-olds
12 p.m. lunch
12:30 p.m. nutrition class
1 p.m. 13-18-year-olds
There will also be six “family night” performances at the Square Theater.
Magic Mr. Nick will perofrm June 5. The band “Sock Rockerz” will perofrm on June 12. Magician Dorian LaChance will be here June 19. The Pound Hounds band will play June 26. Comedian Chester Drawers will conclude the summer with a July 10 performance.
There is no cost to register for the program. You can do so at the library.