Summer reading concludes at Orchard Public Library

The Orchard Public Library started summer reading on May 22.

"It was a whirlwind of fun and adventure for everyone," said library director Donna Hamilton.

The library had received a grant through the Nebraska Library Commission for interns this year. Preslie Robertson and Lydia Robertson filled the intern role. The interns helped plan all the programing during the summer and helped during some of the programs.

Attendees were split into three age groups: newborn to 5, 6-8 and 9 and older.

The Antelope County Extension office helped nine-year-olds and up by providing age-appropriate programing for the age group.

Part of the program was a weekly prize raffle; by doing a series of things, children received a raffle ticket to put in the bucket. At the end of the week, 10 tickets were drawn out and they could choose a prize from the prize cart.

In June, the library welcomed the Horn T Zoo from Monroe.

"It was a huge hit for all ages," Hamilton said.

Around 150 people attended the event held in the Orchard Community Center.

The Orchard Community Center and Old School Thrift Store sponsored the event.

In July, the library, along with the Village of Orchard, sponsored the second-annual dive-in movie at the Orchard Public Pool.

Approximately 115 children and adults attended. As parting treats, the Orchard Library Foundation handed out glow sticks. Another wonderful time and a beautiful summer evening, said library staff.

On July 22, the summer reading program for 2024 with a hot dog party and handed out swim and/or treat passes to all the summer readers at the Orchard Public Pool.

The people and organizations sponsoring this year's summer reading program include Dusty's, Bank of Orchard, The Hair Shop (Deb Robertson), Gretchen Holliday, Wilbur Ellis, Lazy T Tire & Implement, Marlene Hurtig, TJ's Market, Glen and Tammy Cheatum, The Den, Orchard Community Center, The Village of Orchard and Old School Thrift Store.