This summer, the Chanute Public Library invites readers of all ages to unleash their creativity with the 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.”
Running from Tuesday, May 27 through Saturday, July 19, the program encourages children, teens, and adults to discover stories that inspire creativity while engaging in hands-on art experiences, such as watercolors, spin art, string art, calligraphy, painting and collage-making, jewelry making, and more. From picture books filled with bold illustration to biographies of trailblazing artists, this program offers something for everyone.
“We are so excited about the theme,” Jeana Lawrence, library director, said. “We believe stories and art have the power to brighten lives and build bridges between people.”
In addition to announcing the summer reading program, the library also plans to host its many programs at different locations around Chanute this summer while HVAC renovations are ongoing. Larger programs, such as the Mad Hatter Tea Party, Jammin’ Randy the Musician, Nature Reach programs, the American Girl Tea Party, and Aaron Fowler the musician, will be hosted at Central Park Pavilion.
Outside events, such as Story Time, Tie Dye, the Slime Party and others, will be held at the Irene Neely Hudson Park, the pocket park located across the street from the Depot and behind the Chamber of Commerce.
The library also plans to host a Humanities KS program, “Kansas Music History,” presented by Derrick Doty at the Memorial Auditorium in July.
Small group activities, such as Legos, Snap Circuits, art classes, crafts, book clubs and more will be held at the newly renovated SeeKan RC&D building at 871 S. Country Club Road, directly behind the Chanute Martin Johnson Airport. The library plans to call the building the “summer library annex.”
“With the ongoing HVAC renovations, our AC will be turned off this summer,” Lawrence said. “We wanted to continue to provide programming for kids this summer and decided to host our programs off-site, just in case it gets too hot upstairs in the children’s department.”
However, the library will plan to remain open during the summer. HVAC renovations are expected to be completed by September.
“We have window AC units and fans going,” Lawrence said. “We plan to remain as open as possible for normal checkouts and computer usage during the summer. It just might be a little toasty inside.”
To remain updated about summer reading programs, patrons are encouraged to follow the library’s Facebook page or to call ahead to see where events are located. Sign up for the summer reading program as well as events and activities start Tuesday, May 27.
