By Mary Tobin
FOL Board Member

It will come as no surprise that once again, area organizations have ‘stepped up to the plate’ on behalf of McCormick’s children. The McCormick Library Children’s Summer Reading program has been supported annually, by a large donation from the McCormick County Friends of the Library organization, just one of our annual projects in support of the library. A major source of FOL funds comes from your purchases at Books on Main. So, when you purchase print and audio books, puzzles, cards, and CD’s at BOM, you too are supporting our local library….and we sincerely thank you!

Over the years, the library has also received money from the National Institute of Library and Museum services for this readingprogram. With governmental cutbacks to this group, our local event was left in financial need. And that is where the Good Shepherd Catholic Church Men’s and Women’s Clubs, the McCormick Methodist Church and Lions Club stepped in to donate the balance of the funds needed for the 2026summer program and partial support of next year’s project.

This program, created for children aged 8-12 years old, is designed to instill a love of information and enjoyment through reading. Every child and parent will be impressed, as these talented presenters capture the attention of everyone in attendance. Topics range from history, nature, science, and more, using magic, imaginative storytelling, hands-on experiments, and unique animals to encourage interest. All programs take place at the McCormick Library on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.

This year’s schedule features:

June 3^rdPorkchop Productions present: Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Wolf - a wildly modern reimagining of the classic fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf but with a few more teeth, scales, and attitude!

June 10^thScience Heroes presents: Digging It – take part in several fun science demonstrations including the Toilet Tornado, the Disappearing Polymer, and the Hydro-Cannon.

 June 17^thCritter Keeper presents: Jungle Party - see and learn about a variety of animals up close includingJulius Squeezer, an albino Burmese Python.

 June 24^thTo Be Announced.

 July 1^stB-Rad, The Kid’s Magician presents: It is Storytime - a blend of amazing magic, sidesplitting comedy, and a focus on the love of reading.

July 8^thStoryteller Barry Stewart Mann presents: Dinosaur Girl and Fossil Boy – hear stories of exploration about folks who have dug in the dirt and unearthed some verycool stuff.

If you have young family visiting on any of these dates and want to attend, visit the McCormick County Library site for information.

Thanks again to the organizations who generously partnered withthe Friends of the LibraryGroup, ensuring these important reading programs continue.