Though the Spanish Fort Public Library has only been open for less than a year, Library Director Tracy Hall said starting a summer program was a big priority for them this year, and one that has been rewarding for both the library and its patrons.

Even though it was the first year Spanish Fort had done a summer program for kids, Hall said public participation was above and beyond what they expected.

“We had a grand total of 482 people sign up for the summer program,” Hall said. “With children 12 and under, it was 396, but we did a program for teens and adults also that not a lot of other libraries in the county are doing.”

Hall said the inclusion of adults and teens into the summer program might not be the norm, but it did help bring people into the library that might not have otherwise come. She said a variety of different activities helped bring older readers into the program.

“In addition to the reading log, one of the challenges for the adults was to read a book from your birth year,” Hall said. “Another challenge was to check out a cookbook and try a recipe to cook with your family – something that turns reading into an action that everyone can enjoy together. We really tried to make everything a family experience, rather than just a kids’ program.”

For the kids’ program, Hall said the series of performances they were able to bring in for this year was an amazing start, filled with entertaining and informative presenters.

“Our whole theme with the summer program this year was about being active – both physically and mentally by challenging your mind with new and exciting books and activities,” Hall said. “So, we had performers like Tom Foolery and Jon the Balloon Guy that were really enjoyable for the kids, Hoops for Fitness which challenged both the kids and adults to get active and hula hoop together, Russell Davis and his presentation on ‘The Magic of Reading’ was a big favorite and we ended it all up with ‘Animal Tales’ and had real live animals here at the library. People of all ages were impressed.”

Hall said she was thankful for all of the support from the community, especially the sponsors who helped make the program happen: Cain’s Piggly Wiggly, Centennial Bank, EnSec Pest and Lawn, HealthSource Chiropractic, The Magic Nation Series, Missy Conrad with Mary Kay, McMurphy Orthodontics, Ono Pet Photography and Welcome Friends.

“I also want to be sure we thank our volunteers and all the people who came to make sure the program was a success,” Hall said. “We’re a two person staff here, so the fact we were able to pull this off speaks highly of the quality of volunteers and community support we have.”

Hall said the success of the program this year only makes her want to go bigger and better next year.

“We’re definitely making plans to try to do even more next year,” Hall said. “The only complaint we’ve gotten – kids said the summer’s still going and they want to see more programs. That’s a good problem to have.”