School may be out, but learning continues with the Summer Wonder program at the Englehardt branch of Kent District Library in Lowell.
With a mission that includes challenging the traditional concept of a library, KDL is expanding its offerings for people of all ages for learning opportunities, enjoyment, and even a free mid-day meal for kids.
Popping into the Lowell branch this summer can mean more than perusing books. The Summer Wonder reading challenge is in full swing, but so are arts and music classes, storytime, science experiments, games and more.
Rebecca Maupin, branch librarian, says they see about double the amount of people visiting the library during the summer than at other times of the year. She says KDL takes advantage of that to help keep educating children to avoid the “summer slide” which is when learning takes a nosedive.
“Every storytime, hands-on activity, and community event is a chance to keep young minds active and help kids feel supported and inspired,” Maupin says.
Assisted by the library’s team of teen volunteers, each weekday has at least one event scheduled that is geared toward keeping kids occupied and learning throughout the summer months.
“More than anything, we want every child who walks through our doors to know this is a place where they’re valued, a place to imagine, to learn, and to grow,” Maupin says.
Also returning this summer is the “Gather 2 Grow Lunches at the Library” program. Partnering with Feeding America West Michigan, KDL provides free lunches for kids under 18 and people with disabilities up to the age of 26. The food is shelf-stable and easy to pick up and bring home or eat outside the branch building. Maupin says the Englehardt branch handed out more than 300 meals during the first week alone of the summer program.
The Summer Wonder program runs through Aug. 7, when the branch will host a “Summer Wonder Bash” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More details can be found on the KDL Engelhardt Lowell branch Facebook page.
Leave a Reply