Summer reading program underway at Nokomis Public Library

NOKOMIS — The Summer Reading Program is well underway at Nokomis Public Library, which recently kicked off its summer 2025 program.

The 2025 theme for the program is called “Level Up at the Library”.

“Our Summer Reading Program is geared toward kids ages two through high school seniors,” said Library Director Lisa Casterline. “We like to offer events that the entire family can enjoy.”

From science and learning-themes events to events featuring live animals, the program always strives to keep it interesting and fun as possible.

“The main goal is to keep children interested in reading, learning, and enjoying the library,” Casterline added.

The annual program is made possible through monetary support, as well as donated prizes from businesses, organizations, and individuals.

A packed calendar of events is planned with at least 12 events throughout the program, with several more currently in the works to add to the summer lineup.

The event festivities kick off on Monday, June 16 as they host the University of Illinois Extension, who will be offering a program based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. Illinois Extension will offer another STEM program on Thursday, July 10, as well as a program on “All Things Catapaults!” on Thursday, July 24.

On June 20, the library welcomes the Macon County Conservation District, which will be presenting a program, “Pokémon In Real Life.”

The 2024 Nokomis Homecoming Royalty will hold a “Superheroes and Princesses Party” at the library on Wednesday, June 25, followed by visits from the Henson Robinson Zoo on June 26 and another program presented by the Macon County Conservation District on June 30.

Back by popular demand, the Nokomis FFA chapter is returning to the library on Monday, July 14 with a petting zoo. Speaking of animals, miniature horses and ponies through Heartland Mini Hoofs in Taylorville will be visiting the library on Thursday, July 17.

The Daughters of the American Revolution will be at the library on Monday, July 21 with some fun and games.

The library will celebrate Christmas In July on Friday, July 25. Attendees are welcome to wear their pajamas or wear Christmas-themed clothes on that day.

The final day of the Summer Reading Program will be on Saturday, August 2, with all reading logs due by 11 a.m.

Most programs have a elapsed run time of 45 to 60 minutes unless noted otherwise and have a start time of either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. The FFA petting zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to noon on July 14.

If anyone would like to help with the costs of the program, donations will still be accepted throughout June and July.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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