Summer Reading at WPL is for the Grownups, Too
Winfield Public Library is preparing for “Adventures in Space and Time” with this year’s Summer Reading Program, and it isn’t just for kids. Adults will find a full lineup of programs, book clubs, reading challenges and more to experience the library as the ultimate time machine.
“This year’s theme is time travel,” says Ruth Bumgarner, WPL’s Adult Services Librarian, “and we are hopping all over the place in time and space with our adult programs – from Yellowstone National Park in 1883 to the future of Artificial Intelligence to Etzanoa, the Appalachian Trail, our own Kansas State Parks and more.”
The time travel theme also inspired a nod to the 1990s heyday of Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! reading incentive program. “We’re excited to partner with two local businesses to use that same model – meet a goal and earn a treat.” says Bumgarner.
Instead of a free personal pan pizza, upon meeting the challenge requirements participants in WPL’s adult summer reading program can claim one free drink from College Hill Coffee or Ladybird Brewing.
Participation in the summer reading program is free. Packets are available to pick up at the library and include a full list of events and challenges. In addition to the slate of traditional program and book club offerings, adults can check out a Traveling Sketchbook Kit, pick up a Grab & Go Craft Kit, and drop by two new weekly programs the library is piloting over the summer.
“Silent Book Club” is modeled after a growing trend of silent book clubs across the nation. Promoted as a “book club without commitment,” Silent Book Club offers book lovers the opportunity to gather without assigned reading or deadlines. Readers are invited to bring whatever book they’d like to the gatherings and read in companionable silence or strike up an informal conversation with another reader. Silent Book Club will be hosted in the library’s adult fiction area on Wednesdays at 2:30pm throughout the summer.
“A Gathering of Minds” will meet on Thursdays at noon. Inspired by a conversation at one of this spring’s TED Talk Lunch Series events, A Gathering of Minds is intended to give adults the opportunity to connect with new people, ideas, and perspectives through conversation. “While the TED Talk series is on pause over the summer, A Gathering of Minds continues to give adults an opportunity to make connections and explore new ideas,” says Bumgarner.
Summer Reading at Winfield Public Library is made possible thanks to generous support from the Friends of Winfield Public Library.
Tabitha Hogan, Library Director, notes the importance of this support, “their support ensures that the library can expand our offerings to the community, to bring in inspiring presenters and offer fun incentives that promote reading and learning.”
The Friends group supports library activities, exhibits and library beautification projects. More information about The Friends, including how to become a member, can be found at wpl.org.
For information on this or any of WPL’s other programs, including our 2023 Reading Challenge, monthly book discussions, ereader check-out, story times, board game check-out, Grab & Go kits for all ages, book sales, or more, visit wpl.org, our Facebook page, or call 620-221-4470. Winfield Public Library is open 7 days a week: Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am – 8pm; Fri 9am – 6pm; Sat 9am – 2pm; and Sun 1pm-5pm.
