The school year is winding down and with the summer comes Summer Reading programs.

The libraries of the Silver Valley recently announced that they have banded together to create several programs to enhance children’s education throughout the summer months. During the summer months, children who are not actively reading can lose as much as three months of reading achievement, according to the Idaho Commission for Libraries. The Summer Reading programs can be an essential stepping stone for students who want to maintain their current reading skills.

Jamee Sperry, library director for Osburn explained, “Those who attend the programs will set goals throughout the summer, with prizes handed out after meeting those goals, like a free McDonald’s ice cream cone, and a free Idaho state park pass, provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.”

Pinehurst, Kellogg, Mullan, Wallace and Osburn libraries will all be diving into a refreshing ocean of possibilities with local students looking to keep their skills fresh.

“All the libraries are doing a slight variation on the program, but we are all excited to read, create and craft with students during the summer,” Sperry said.

The Kellogg Public Library’s program will start June 13 with storytime and crafts taking place from 11 a.m. to noon every Monday for ages 0-10. For those students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the Kellogg library will have Deanne Fitzgerald from the Pinehurst Elementary after-school program making crafts beginning June 21, from 1-3 p.m. for children ages 5-12.

The fun of the library isn’t only for the kids as the Kellogg library will also hold a creative crafts open house for all ages on Saturday mornings, an adult book dating event will be held on June 13 and July 11 from 6-7 p.m.

The Friends of the Kellogg Library will be providing Kellogg children ages 0-8 with a free bag, book and snack to kick off the summer reading events.

For more information on the events and more held by Kellogg Public Library, please visit https://kellogg.lili.org/ or call 208-786-7231. Located at 16 W. Market Ave., Kellogg.

Further up east, the Mullan Public Library will start its reading program Tuesday, June 14, at 11 a.m. for ages 5 and above. Crafts, and snacks will be provided.

For more information on the events at Mullan Public Library, visit https://mullan.lili.org/ or call 208-744-1220.

Starting Wednesday, June 15 to Aug. 10, the Pinehurst library will hold “Ahoy Matey! Summer Storytime” starting at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5.

Special events and limited series events will also take place throughout the summer at the Pinehurst library, such as the red yarn theater, Cecil the magician, sensory story times, mini art show for teens, and more. For more information on the events at the Pinehurst library located at 107 Main St., Pinehurst, visit https://communitylibrary.net/library/pinehurst/ or call 208-682-3483.

Osburn Public Library will hold its reading program starting Monday, June 20, through Thursday, Aug. 18 with their summer hours starting Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head in now and view the special shelf with ocean-themed books to get started.

For more information on the events and more held by Osburn Public Library, located at 921 E. Mullan Ave., Osburn, please visit https://osburn.lili.org/ or call 208-752-9711.

Finishing up the summer, Wallace Public Library will start its summer reading program from Aug. 1-5 from 1-2 p.m. and sharing in crafts, stories and snacks.

For more information on the events and more held by Wallace Public Library, visit https://wallace.lili.org/ or call 208-752-4571.