Summer reading turned to 'family affair'

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

— The children’s summer reading program at the Gravette Public Library is taking a different approach, according to library director Kim Schneider.

“This year, instead of focusing on just a few children who take advantage of the reading offerings at the library, we want to make our summer activities family affairs,” Schneider said. “The library is planning three events that we hope will bringthe family together at the library so they can become acquainted with the services the library offers.”

The first free community event will be a Renaissance Faire festival called “Dream Big” on Friday, June 29. It will feature a group of costumed participants who have been involved with Renaissance Faires in Kansas City, Bonner Springs, Kans., and Oklahoma City. They will present a varied program which will be of interest to all age groups.

Sponsored by the library, the Bank of Gravettand several others, the Faire will be held in the big field across the road from the library, where the actors, in authentic costumes and with their horses, will perform songs and dances, sword fighting and archery. They will display period crafts and for anyone interested will even provide coat-of-arms information.

Door prizes will be awarded at the free activities which will begin at 9 a.m. and last until noon.

“We need to know about how many plan to attend, so please call the library,787-6955, to register so we can have a head count and make appropriate plans,” Schneider said.

Two other activities are planned, including a magic show on July 13 and a swimming “Family Moat Party” at the pool July 20 - especially for library patrons ages 5 to 10 and their parents.

“Children, and their parents, are being encouraged to plan to attend the Renaissance Faire June 29 and dress up in personal costume to add to the merriment for a morning of fun,” Schneider said.

Community, Pages 10 on 05/30/2012