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 today, 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 illustrations to biographies of trailblazing artists, this program offers something for everyone.
“We are so excited about the theme. We believe stories and art have the power to brighten lives and build bridges between people,” Library Director Jeana Lawrence said. “On an important note, we plan to host many of our programs at different locations around Chanute this summer while HVAC renovations are ongoing.”
These locations include the following.
– 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.
– We also plan to host a Humanities Kansas 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, which will serve as the library annex for now.
“With the ongoing HVAC renovations, our AC will be turned off this summer. 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,” Lawrence said. “However, we will plan to remain open during the summer for normal checkouts and computer usage. We have window AC units and fans going, but it still might be a little toasty inside. HVAC renovations are expected to be completed by September.
To remain updated about summer reading programs, Lawrence encourages patrons 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 begin today.
