Registration underway for Nokomis Summer Reading Program

NOKOMIS — The Nokomis Public Library announced the kickoff of its annual Summer Reading Program earlier this week.

The summer program, which has been held for many years at the library, kicked off on Tuesday. It will run through August 5 prior to the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

This year’s theme, according to Library Director Lisa Casterline, is Wild About Reading.

“We have what we would consider a lot of animal-themed programs booked,” said Casterline. “From Fred and His Feathered Friends, Scovill Mobile Zoo, Reptiles of Illinois, the Nokomis FFA petting zoo, and the mammals kit from the University of Illinois Extension office, it will be a fun and educational summer.”

As usual, the program is broken up in three groups: one for children ages two to five, another for children aged first through fourth grade, and a final group for students in fifth grade through high school senior.

All groups will track things like minutes spent reading, program attendance, learning activities, and good deeds performed in exchange for prizes. These prizes include day passes to the Christian County YMCA in Taylorville. Other day passes available are for the Magic House, the Butterfly House, and Knight’s Action Park. Coupons from Applebee’s, Dairy Queen, and Panda Express will also be given away.

Registered children will receive a free clear backpack with activities and a summer reading log. These will be great tools in keeping track of paperwork and library books.

“We hope to see a lot of kids in the library and around town with these,” adds Casterline.

Residents living within Nokomis Township already get a free library card.

“All children are invited to sign up for Summer Reading Program,” Casterline noted. “We would like to remind parents and kids that if they do live outside of Nokomis Township, but attend Nokomis CUSD #22, the children are eligible for a free library card because of the Community Eligible Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs that the school district participates in.”

Registration for the program can be done by stopping by the library at 100 N. Spruce Street or by calling the library at (217) 563-2734.

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