This year, the Fort Scott Public Library’s summer reading program will begin on June 1 at 10 a.m. with a family kickoff party at Gunn Park, shelter house #3. The party will run from 10 – 11:30.

Partygoers will play games, create crafts, eat delicious treats provided by donors, drink cold water provided by G & W Cash Saver (with ice donated by 5 Corners Mini Mart), earn prizes, read a temporary story stroll, and play on the park equipment located beside the shelter house. This summer’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities” and the program will explore oceans, water, fishing, boats, pirates, mermaids, sharks, and other related themes through stories, crafts, and other activities from June 1 to August 10.

Attendees should plan for limited parking at the party site by carpooling or parking in nearby lots and walking when possible. Sunscreen, old clothes, and towels are recommended, as attendees will likely get wet. Seating will be limited, so families that need extra seating may want to bring lawn chairs. Bathroom facilities are also scarce near the party site, so please plan accordingly.

The library will be collecting summer care items for families in need, with a donation box available at the party. Please bring unused swim diapers, sunscreen, feminine sanitary products, etc. to donate. Clothing and food donations will not be accepted. Donated items will be available for anyone to take as needed in the library’s downstairs computer room throughout the summer (while supplies last). The library will also have a donation box for children’s books available at the party. Donated books will be offered as prizes at future summer reading program events.

Families may register for summer reading at the party, or receive an extra prize ticket for each child and teen by pre-registering by May 30 at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library, Buck Run Community Center, Hedgehog.INK!, Rusty Spur Energy and Nutrition, Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union, and Billiard Hammer Hartman Insurance Agency. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk, by mail, or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible by the City of Fort Scott, which has waived the rental fee for hosting the event. All library programs are free and open to the public.