At their July 20th meeting, children’s librarian Shelby Simpson updated the Collinsville City Council about the summer reading program. Through June and July, 113 children participated, learning about bugs and making bug-related projects. The finished products will be a part of an art exhibit on display during Turkey Trot. The November Turkey Trot festival is sponsored in part by the Collinsville Historic Association. It includes arts and crafts, an antique car and tractor show, and a turkey toss from the roof of a building.
During the summer reading program, the students also made paper lantern goldfish. Simpson showed the council an example. Then during Fourth of July week, the students each placed a flag at the Veterans Memorial Park. The kids also passed out books about the founding of the country and the flag.
The most lasting project emerged from the program’s kindergarteners through second graders. These students decorated feathers that made up the head of an eagle. The large piece of art will be donated to Collinsville School.
The council thanked Simpson and the library for their work with the summer reading program.
The Collinsville Public Library is located at 151 Main Street and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Librarian Jennifer Wilkins and her staff place a special emphasis on children, providing a safe place to learn. The library also supports adult reading, research, and writing. Resources include books, audiotapes, videos, and public-access computers. The library was founded by the Collinsville Study Club in 1933 with Mrs. Fannie Johnson as the first librarian.
