Library summer programs, reading contest planned

Want to see a magical magician perform, hear from experts at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research or watch the Black Hills in Motion Clog Dancers? All these opportunities and more are available this summer thanks to the Hill City Public Library summer programs. 

These programs were started by the previous library director, and current library director Tammy Alexander later expanded it to six programs to correspond with the summer reading contest at the library. Their goal is to encourage children to continue learning through the summer. 

All programs are free, begin at 10 a.m. and are hosted at the Hill City Boys & Girls Club (HCBGC). They last between 45 minutes and an hour. 

Anyone is welcome to attend these programs whether a local or a tourist. Summer school students often attend as part of their learning and so do homeschoolers. Typically between 80 and 100 people attend each one. 

“These programs are great,” said Alexander. “It’s a whirlwind of six weeks.” 

At the first program June 6, the Hill City Evergreen Garden Club planted flowers with the children. After explaining what transplanting was, garden club members helped the children plant and water their very own flower. 

New to the summer programs this year is magician Rick Eugene, who will perform June 13. This program is run by a company called Absolute Science and uses a learning curriculum program based around magic. 

“They’re really cool,” said Alexander. 

Next, June 20 is a local and favorite program put on by the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research. Alexander said this program is all educational and “the kids just love it.”

Another favorite for the children is the visit from the Black Hills Raptors Program which will take place June 27. At this program, the presenters bring out live raptor birds for the attendees to see and learn about. 

A final favorite presenter returning July 11 is Starr Chief Eagle. She is a Lakota Hoop Dancer and often has children participate in the presentation. 

“The kids love it,” said Alexander. “It’s something that they really engage with.” 

Last year it was said that the children at the HCBGC were still trying to do the dances with hula hoops two weeks after. 

The last summer program will take place July 18 and features the Black Hills in Motion Clog Dancers. 

“That’s something new, and this might be something kids have never seen before,” said Alexander. 

When selecting the yearly program list, they try to mix things up so they are not all science related while also bringing back favorites.

“We try to pick things that we think the kids will be interested in,” said Alexander. “They like interactive things where they can participate.” 

Even if only one child becomes interested in the program topic as a result, Alexander considered it a good thing. They help children learn new things, become interested in new topics and explore new passions. 

In correspondence with these summer programs is the library’s Kids Summer Reading Contest’ which helps children retain the reading skills they learned during the school year. 

This year’s theme is “All Together Now,” and registration opened  June 5. After registering, children will receive a bag, bookmark, pencil and activity book. They will also get a library dog tag with two beads. Every time they turn in their sheet, they will get two more beads to build a bracelet or necklace with over the summer. 

There are contests for preschool, elementary, middle school and high school readers. Alexander is contemplating adding a college-age contest in the future as well. 

Weekly prizes include things like coupons for a free medium cone at Dairy Twist, food, trinkets or full-size candy bars. Those who complete all six weeks of reading and turn in their sheets are entered into a drawing, which will take place July 20. 

Mikal and Colleen Lewis are donating two Strider Bikes for the preschool boy and girl grand prize winners. Helmets will be provided as well. 

The boy and girl winners for the elementary, middle school and high school categories will receive $100 Amazon gift cards. Some of these are donated by the Hill City Masons, and the rest are from the library. 

Along with encouraging children to read, Alexander said the summer reading contest encourages children to keep busy and keep learning, allows them to build connections with library workers and reveals what the library has to offer them. 

“I’m just hoping to get a lot of kids signed up. I like to see them come in and read and get excited about it,” said Alexander. “We have a very dedicated group of kids that look forward to summer reading.” 

For more information go to the Hill City Public Library or call 605-574-4529.