Corbin Public Library Summer Reading Program kicks off June 3

The Corbin Public Library is blasting off into its summer reading program beginning June 3.

The six-week program will feature a series of speakers working to bring area children closer to outer space.

Library Director Donna Chadwell said the programs, which will be held on Thursdays, will include a portable planetarium, a telescope with a lense allowing participants to examine the sun, an art project to recreate Vincent Van Gogh’s, “Starry Night,” and a challenge to create a landing system that will safely return an egg to the ground.

“We will be doing activities every day of the week, but Thursdays will be the main day,” Chadwell said.

Chadwell said that in addition to encouraging students to read outside of class, the goal of the summer reading program is allow them to get more hands-on.

“One of the best things was when Mr. (Jimmy) Cornn came from Corbin High School with drums,” Chadwell said of the 2018 summer reading program.

Chadwell said the programs wouldn’t be possible without members of the community, who are willing to donate their time and talent.

“There are such great local resources,” Chadwell said.

In addition to knowledge, the library will be dishing out lunch for summer reading participants.

Chadwell said the library staff is working in conjunction with Corbin Independent School’s food services to provide a hot lunch Monday through Friday.

“Last summer, on the days we had programs, we fed about 30 kids. On the days without programs, we fed about 10,” Chadwell said.

The daily programs will include a number of crafts, including making sun catchers, slime, bath bombs, and even moon craters.

The summer reading program will conclude on July 27 when two Chromebook tablets are given to program participants.

More information about the summer reading program is available online at www.corbinkylibrary.org, or by calling 528-6366.

The library is open 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.