The Luverne Public Library has kicked off its 2025 summer reading program, filled with events for different age groups, opportunities to take part in educational projects and the chance to win a prize by reading books. 

Each summer, the library organizes a variety of programs for patrons during June and July. 

“It is important to have summer reading each year because it offers families the opportunity to bring their children to the library where they can enjoy a fun time in a safe environment where they are allowed to be creative and encouraged to read,” said Kathryn Tomlin, the director of the Luverne Public Library. 

For this year’s summer reading program, the library has prepared events for all ages including weekly sessions for age groups and special events open to all ages. All of these offerings center around the theme for this year’s summer reading program: art.

“Our summer reading theme this year is ‘Color Our World,’” Tomlin said. “Children naturally enjoy art; they love to make a one-of-a-kind art project. Art encourages their intellectual development, their creative development and helps build their confidence and self-esteem.”

For children up to the age of three, there will be a Mommy and Me event every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m, where a book will be read to the youngest of the readers. At the same time, children ages three to eight will have activities throughout June and July including reading events, art competitions and cookie crafts. The dates are June 3, 10, 17 and July 8, 15 and 22.

Ages nine to 12, will also be able to visit the library on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Here they will be read to, complete an art craft and then cook with Tomlin. Those dates are June 5, 12 and July 10, 17 and 24. 

At the end of June, the three to eight and nine to 12 age groups will have a party on their respective meeting days – June 24 for ages three to eight and June 26 for ages nine to 12.

“There will be games, food and a pinata,” Tomlin said. “Mr. Eddie Byrd of McDonald’s will be on hand with their prize wheel to add to the excitement. Each child will receive a goody bag with lots of fun items and a certificate of attendance.”

Additionally, special events are open to all ages throughout the month of June. These include: 

* An interactive magic show on Friday June 6 at 10 a.m. with Mr. Larry’s Magic Show; 

* Spark Wonder with the McWane Science Center, complete with art related science experiments on Friday June 13 at 10:30 a.m.; 

* A visit from Comic and educational juggler Ron G. Biv on Monday June 16 at 10 a.m.;

* The Montgomery Zoo will bring animals on June 27 at 10 a.m.; and

* Movie day with popcorn on June 30 at 4 p.m. 

“The Library never charges for children’s programs, so we hope all parents will take advantage of our free, fun, educational programs this summer,” Tomlin said. 

Additionally, each child that attends a program event will have the opportunity to record any library books they read to compete for $20 gift certificates for Dips and Dogs. There will be one winner in each age group.