By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK—The Ozark Dale County Library (ODC Library) is the place to be this summer if you or your kids want to experience a fun-filled adventure! The library is gearing up for its busiest time of year as summers at the library are always filled with adventure, educational programs, family activities, gaming events, crafts, reading initiatives, and community gatherings for residents of all ages.
The library’s annual Summer Reading Program returns throughout the month with this year’s theme, “Unearth A Story!” Programs will take place each Tuesday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Registration for the reading program is open now through June 2. Additionally, participants are asked to sign in at the front table each week before activities commence.
According to the ODC Library, each week will feature different activities designed to encourage reading and creativity among children and families during the summer months.
The library will also host a special program entitled, “Juneteenth Reflection of History,” on Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Ozark Mayor Charles Ward and Councilman Winston Jackson are scheduled as the keynote speakers during the event as attendees reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and the special meaning it has for Black Americans.
The Library will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Several recurring educational programs are also scheduled throughout June.
Basic Computer Classes will be held Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. using Library computers. Organizers said the classes will cover internet browsing, Microsoft Word, and other practical computer skills useful in everyday life.
Weekly Story Time programs for children will take place on Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24, with sessions from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and again from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Each session will include stories, crafts or activities, and snacks. This is a great program for budding readers and those who are established readers.
The Library’s popular “Game On! @ the Library” program will continue on Fridays, June 5, 12, and 26, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. The event includes Minecraft gaming laptops, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, board games, card games, and a weekly Dungeons & Dragons group.
Creative hobbyists can participate in “Twisted Stitches” on Saturday, June 13 and June 27, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Teen Library. The social crafting club welcomes knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, and other yarn or thread-based hobbyists of all skill levels.
Children and families can also participate in Lego Club on Saturday, June 13, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Organizers said the event will include building challenges, games, and free play opportunities with both Lego and Duplo blocks available.
Immediately following Lego Club, “The Curiosity Crew” will meet from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. The science-themed program will explore topics ranging from stars and volcanoes to bugs and the ocean.
Adults preparing for retirement or navigating healthcare options can attend the free “Social Security & Medicare 101” seminar on Tuesday, June 9, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Topics will include Social Security benefits, Medicare enrollment, healthcare planning, taxes, and retirement transitions.
The Library will also host “Homeschool Hangout” on Thursday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. The monthly gathering for homeschool and virtual school families will include play spaces, coloring stations, homework areas, college and career resources, curated books, and lunch. This is an important program that gives homeschooled and students in virtual schools the opportunity to socialize and interact with their peers, which psychologists and education experts agree is crucial for personal development and growth.
“Toddler Tales” will be held on Thursday, June 11, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room for families unable to attend daytime Story Time sessions. The evening program includes storytelling, activities, and crafts for young children.
Teens ages 14 through 18 will have multiple opportunities to participate in programs tailored specifically for them during June.
“Prose & Cons Teen Media Club” will meet Saturday, June 20, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the Teen Library under the leadership of Outreach Specialist Mac Bates. The discussion-based club focuses on books, movies, and media. This month’s topic will center on the importance of awards and recognition in entertainment and literature.
The “Drawn Together Teen Art Club” will follow from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Participants will help create fantasy-inspired signs for locations such as Narnia, Hobbitton, Oz, and beyond to display in the Library’s Teen Area.
Chess enthusiasts can attend the “Knights of the Wiregrass Chess Club” on Thursday, June 25, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Players of all skill levels are invited to participate, and attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite chess sets if desired.
The Library will conclude the month with a “Medieval Meetup” on Saturday, June 27, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Organizers said the event will feature games, a mini feast, costumes, and loaner medieval attire for participants.
Additional activities during June include SCA Fighter Practice on June 7 and 21 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the grassy area outside the Library, where participants can explore martial arts, fencing, and medieval combat demonstrations.
The Ozark Dale County Library, located at 296 N Union Avenue in Ozark, is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
You may contact the library at (334) 774-5480 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
