Library Celebrates Summer Learning Success, Gears Up for Fall Fun

Mid-Continent Public Library’s Excelsior Springs Branch wrapped up its Summer Learning Program with an enormous increase in program participation. The Excelsior Springs Branch had 429 kids enrolled in the summer program, an increase of 119 participants over last year. They gave out 668 books to youth participants and several lucky winners received prizes of Kindle e-readers and trips to Science City. Assistant Branch Manager Abigail Douglas said their branch was thrilled at the community’s level of participation this year. “We know how important consistent reading is to making it a comfortable and enjoyable activity, and developing that joy of reading helps smooth the transition back to the classroom after the Summer Library Program ends,” said Douglas. She added that allowing children to curate their very own libraries at home, with books they can have on hand and enjoy whenever they would like, is what makes the Summer Library program so special for the kids who participate.

*Nora Gerling and Quinten Shanks were two of the lucky winners of Kindle tablets during MCPL’s Summer Learning Program (submitted photos).*

Stats from the Excelsior Springs Mid-Continent Public Library’s Summer Learning Program:

429 kids 0 – 19 enrolled in the program – an increase of 119 from 2021
285 finished 20 days – an increase of 64 from 2021
235 finished 40 days – an increase of 57 from 2021
185 finished 60 days – an increase of 22 from 2021
668 books were given away in total in 2022 – an increase of 163 from 2021
173 books were given away to local daycares
465 books were given away to kids K-5 participating in Excelsior Springs Summer School – this was the first year MCPL partnered with the Excelsior Springs School district on this program.
153 adults enrolled in the program
74 adults finished 60 days

Starting October 1st the MCPL system will be recognizing veterans during their Veterans Salute event, which will continue through until Veterans Day (11/11/22). MCPL will be offering programming specifically for veterans, Douglas said that veterans who visit the library can pick up a commemorative pin as a thank you for their service. More information about the Veterans Salute event can be found on their website: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/featured/veterans-salute

Several exclusive events are coming to the MCPL Excelsior Springs Branch in October. October 5th from 6-7 pm the Excelsior Springs Branch will host a Teen Game Night where teens can come and play tabletop, board games, and card games. On October 19th the branch will have an event where teens can come, hang out, and watch the movie “Hocus Pocus” at 300 PM. Then, on October 28th, from 6:00-8:00 PM the library will host a “Hallo-teen” after-hours event called “A Night of Frights.” Teens can come and wear their costumes if they like, listen to music, learn how to do scary effects makeup, play some fun games and do crafts. Finally, the Excelsior Branch will have a young kids “sBOOKtacular” party from 3:00-5:00 PM on the 29th. This will be a similar (but less scary) event, where children can come in costume and listen to a story, play games, and do activities like making superhero masks. On the evening of the 29th, you’ll find the Excelsior Springs Branch’s Early Literacy and Youth Services associates, Kayla and Shanon, at the Trunk or Treat at the Community Center from 6:00-9:00 PM in their fun costumes, handing out treats.

Learn more about all of the wonderful resources and activities our local Mid-Continent Public Library has to offer by visiting their website. https://www.mymcpl.org/locations/excelsior-springs