GRAVETTE -- Representatives of the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chapter of Altrusa International stopped by the Gravette Public Library Thursday, June 2, to present a $500 donation and an award letter for a $4,000 grant in support of the library's summer reading program.
The funds will be used to purchase books, materials and supplies for the "Oceans of Possibilities" summer reading program for children and teens. Members of the Altrusa chapter will also volunteer time to help with weekly activities for children.
"The local chapter of Altrusa has supported the library for several years through monetary donations and by donating books to improve the library's collections," said Karen Benson, library director. "We're excited to bring back in-person summer reading programs and very thankful that, because of Altrusa's generosity, the library can provide a summer program filled with fun activities for children and teens in our community."
Registration for the children's summer reading program begins June 16. People can register at the library or online at gravettelibrary.readsquared.com.
Weekly summer reading program meetings for children ages 3-12 will be held Thursdays at the Gravette Civic Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon beginning July 14. Guest speakers will include Katherine Auld, chair of NWA Space and a NASA Solar System ambassador; chief meteorologist Dan Skoff of KNWA/FOX 24; and Kendall Moles, an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission malacologist. Representatives from the Scott Family Amazeum will provide activities for children. George Reader will perform a magic show at the closing session on Aug. 11.
Teens and adults may pick up reading logs and punch cards at the library beginning July 1 to track reading progress between July 1 and August 31. Summer activities are planned at the library for teens and include a "Fish Fusion" activity led by representatives of the Scott Family Amazeum. Prize drawings for teens and adults will be held on Sept. 1.
Little Lions Story Time for toddlers will have extended summer hours of 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays at the library and will carry an "Oceans of Possibilities" theme.
For more information about library programs and activities, please visit the library's website at www.gravettelibrary.org. The Gravette Public Library is located at 119 Main St. S.E. in Gravette.