Summer Reading Wraps Up with Pajama Party, Reading Champions Announced

By Vanessa Hicks

Vinita Library Director

The Vinita Public Library registered 172 children and teens for this year’s Summer Reading Program “All Together Now” which began on May 26 with a Kick-off event and snow cones.  This year the library added a program for children ages 5 and under, which was very well received and regularly attended. The library also included an Adult category, which had 22 adult library members register.

The culmination of the children’s hard work was rewarded with an end of summer reading event on July 12, involving a pajama party and popcorn.   The children read a whopping total of 88,137 minutes, equaling 1,469.5 hours!  Participants who turned in reading logs received a “Reading is Leading” medal, a certificate, Dawg Dollar from Shout & Sack, and a coupon for a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.

Reading champions by age category are as follows: age 5 & under champion is Martha Parman, 2 years old, who read 3,264 minutes; runner-up is Zachary Hilburn, age 3, with 2,344 minutes read; and third is Kason Smith, 5 months old, who had 1,946 minutes logged.  For this age group, reading to the child is counted on the reading logs.  Prizes were for 1st place a Glow in the dark Fort Building Kit; 2nd place received a Hoover Soccer Ball; 3rd place received a LCD writing tablet and doodle board.

Kallay Thiems, 9, is the reading champion for the age division of grades K – 5th. Kallay read 4,741 minutes. She won a Laser Tag gun set with LED display vests.  Runner-up is Kaylee Smith, 9, who read 4,148 minutes. She received Walkie Talkies, which are long range and rechargeable. Third place is Ariel Darnell, 8, with 4,104 minutes read and she received an LCD writing tablet.

In the Teen division, grades 6th – 12th, the champion is Lilly White, 14, who logged 12,883 reading minutes. Lilly won a Capture the Flag glow-in-the-dark kit. Runner-up is Elliana Hoodenpyle, 11, with 6,634 minutes read. She received a Hand-controlled LED Flying Orb Drone. Third place is Reagan Rudd, 16, with 5,310 minutes read who received an LCD writing tablet.

Additional special certificates and a bubble machine prize were awarded to three children: Raelyn Wylie, 9, for “Amazing Artist” with crafts; Lance Steward, 5, for “Best Behavior” during story time; and Emma Millarr, 8, for “Excellent Effort” during activities and games.

All of the prizes were selected to go along with the theme “All Together Now” and are games and toys which can be played with friends and family.

A random drawing was held for adult prize packages which went to Erin Millarr and Leslie Shelton. Prize packages included tote bags, tumblers, Subway coupons, Jigsaw puzzle donated by Route 66 Apparel, zippered book holder, zippered pouch bag reading “Shh … I’m Reading”, Cactus Keychain and notebook, and metal bookmarks which said “No Shelf Control” and “Book Nerd”.

Under the direction of Assistant Children’s Director Darla Tanner, the summer reading program offered themed weeks, which included story time, games and crafts.  The library brought in a special program by the Finer Arts of Oklahoma titled “Thrown Together”.  Throughout the summer the children were encouraged to fill out reading logs for small prizes, and check out library books. 

Library Director Vanessa Hicks said “This is the most children we have ever had registered for our Library Summer Reading.

It is a great program that keeps children reading all summer long, which is our ultimate goal.

“This year we included an age category for children 5 and under, and I think this was something that our community needed.   Watching that young group participate in the crafts and looking for books to check out was a lot of fun and is a great introduction to Library programs.”

Children who were not able to attend the program on July 12 may pick up their certificate at the library. 

The library appreciates all the support received from the City of Vinita, Cherokee Nation Youth Workers Julia Childers and Tatum Tanner, volunteer Loudan Hicks, and donations from the following local organizations and businesses: Vinita Lions Club, Vinita Rotary Club, Cherokee Nation, Shout & Sack, Pizza Hut, Subway, Route 66 Apparel, and Advance America in Miami.

This program is made possible by a grant from the US Institute of Museum and Library Services, and statewide sponsor The Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

For more information on the summer reading program and other library programs, call the library at 918-256-2115. Follow the library on Facebook and Instagram.

The Vinita Library Summer Reading Program had 172 children register for the program, which ended July 12. The children logged a total of 88,137 reading minutes, equaling 1,469.5 hours!
Reading champion for grade K-5th is Kallay Thiems, 9, (left). She read 4,741 minutes. Third place is Ariel Darnell, 8 with 4,104 minutes.
Reading champion for the teens is Lilly White, 14. She read 12,883 minutes.
Reading champion for the age group 5 & under is Martha Parman, 2. She read 3,264 minutes.
Lance Steward, 5, earned the “Best Behavior” award and a bubble machine prize.
Emma Millarr, 8, earned the “Excellent Effort” award and a bubble machine prize.
Adult prize winners are Erin Millarr and Leslie Shelton.

Summer Reading Sign-up Event on May 26

Readers of all ages are invited to register on May 26th for the Vinita Public Library Summer Reading Program.  The reading program runs through June and part of July, and will be a variety of activities, including reading challenges, craft projects, storytimes, performances, and more. All of the programs will center around the 2023 Summer Reading theme, “All Together Now: Kindness / Friendship / Unity.”

It all begins with a “Groovy” Kick-off event for registration at the Vinita Public Library on Friday, May 26 from 11 am – 1 pm.  There will be free Italian Ice and activities for all ages!

The library is offering Summer Reading programs for all ages.  The age groups are; 0-Pre-K, K-5th grade, 6th-12th grade, and Adults. A calendar will be provided at registration, and this calendar will also be posted on the library’s website.

Every summer the Vinita Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program to keep children and their families reading all summer long. We believe reading is a fundamental skill and a gateway to success in life. Summer Reading is a community tradition that promotes reading for fun and lifelong enrichment. All programs are free of charge.

For more information, call the library at 918-256-2115 or visit our website, and follow us on Facebook for information and updates.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

Summer Reading Program is a Wrap! Children, Teens Read a Total 48,724 Minutes

Everyone did a great job reading this summer! “Oceans Of Possibilities” Summer Reading group photo, with reading certificates, medals and prizes in hand.

By Vanessa Hicks

Vinita Library Director

The Vinita Public Library registered 105 children and teens for this year’s Summer Reading Program “Oceans of Possibilities” which began on June 3.  This year the library included an Adult Reading Program, which was well received with 27 library members registering.

The culmination of the children’s hard work was rewarded with an end of summer reading event on July 29. The children read a whopping total of 48,724 minutes, equaling 812 hours! Participants who turned in reading logs received a “Reading is Leading” medal, a certificate, and a coupon for a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.

Reading champions by age category are as follows: PreK – 2nd grade champion is Ariel Darnell, who read 2,462 minutes; runner-up is Heather Farbro with 1,830 minutes read; and third is Kenzely Roberts, who read 1,660 minutes. 

Kallay Thiems, is the reading champion for the age division of grades 3rd -6th. Kallay read 2,662 minutes.  Runner-up is Shane Thulin, who read 2,502 minutes and third is Hannah Waggoner with 1,760 minutes read.

In the Teen division, grades 7th – 12th champion is Lilly White who logged 12,480 reading minutes, runner-up is Reagan Rudd with 4,278 minutes read, and third is Johnathan Satterwhite with 2,428 minutes read. 

Reading Champions in each age division received a Waterproof Digital Kids Camera.  Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place included Sharkopoly, Oceanopoly, Coral Reef science kit, Sharks of the World Science kit, Ocean Animal card games, and Water Doddle Mat.

A random drawing was held for adult prize packages which went to Kristyn Thiems and Natasha Hiseley. Prize packages included a bag of Keagan’s Coffee and a mug from The Coffee Shelter, tote bags, insulated ocean themed tumblers, ocean themed word search book and Sprout Pencils.

Kristyn Thiems, left, and Natasha Hiseley

Under the direction of Children and Young Adult (CYA) Program Director Mary Post, the summer reading program offered themed weeks, which included story time, games and crafts.  The library brought in 2 special programs; the Finer Arts of Oklahoma program “Unchartered Waters”, and Magic By Tangles.  Throughout the summer, the children were encouraged to fill out reading logs and check out library books.  Some of those books had a gold coin hidden in the pocket.  If it was selected for check out then the child selected a prize.

CYA Director Post said, “Everybody did such an amazing job this year – adults and kids both! We had a great and unexpected turnout, about double what we had last summer. As well as a lot of extra visitors that participated in our programs.”

“I think that adding the adult category this year helped encourage their children to read more, and it really shows in the numbers just the kind of impact that reading alongside a child can have.”

The library staff and Post are excited to start planning for next year’s Summer Reading Program which is titled “All Together Now: Kindness, Friendship & Unity”.

Children who were not able to attend the program on July 29 may pick up their certificate at the library. 

The library appreciates all the support received from the City of Vinita, volunteers Julia Childers and Loudan Hicks, and donations from the following local organizations and businesses: Vinita Lions Club, Vinita Rotary Club, Shout & Sack, Pizza Hut, Subway, and the Coffee Shelter. 

This program is made possible by a grant from the US Institute of Museum and Library Services, and statewide sponsor The Oklahoma Department of Libraries

For more information on the summer reading program and other library programs, call the library at 918-256-2115. Follow the library @vinita library on Facebook and Instagram.

Register for Summer Programs at the Library

Dive into “Oceans of Possibilities” this summer as the Vinita Public Library presents their summer reading program.  Registration and Kick-Off are on Friday, May 27 from noon to 2:00 p.m. for children, teens and adults.  At registration, receive a summer reading packet, including reading log and calendar, reading goody bag and a sweet treat from the snow cone truck.

Children’s programs will be on Fridays in June at 10:30 am, as well as July 8th , and a wrap up party on July 29th at 11:00 am. Activities include story time, games, snacks, crafts, and art projects with an ocean theme, like shell painting, Tropical Bingo, and sand art necklaces.  Children six years of age and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The library will bring in two special programs for summer reading. “Unchartered Waters” by Finer Arts of Oklahoma will be at the library on June 17 at 10:30 am. This interactive program shares stories, chanties and undersea secrets using drama, games and other silliness.

“Magic by Tangles” will present at summer reading on July 8 at 10:30 am. This is an interactive storytelling event featuring sea creatures and pirates.  The special programs are free and open to all. 

New to the library this summer are programs for teens, and adults. Teen programs will be at 2:00 pm on June 3, 17, and July 8.  Teens will enjoy programs and art projects, such as a Bob Ross paint along.

Adult 18+ who are Vinita Public Library account holders are invited to register for the adult program.  Adults can be entered into a prize drawing after they have completed reading 5 or more books and turn in their reading log by July 22. 

The deadline for all reading logs to be turned in is July 22.  There will be an Awards and Splash Pad day for all age groups on July 29 at 11:00 am.

Summer reading program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Science Foundation. The library also thanks local businesses and organizations that generously donate funds and prize coupons to provide reading incentives for the community.

For more information, call the library at 918-256-2115, email at library@cityofvinita.com, or come by the library at 215 West Illinois, Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (7 pm on Thursday) and from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm on Saturdays. Follow the Vinita library on Facebook for updates.

Visit the Vinita Library to sign up for summer reading and see the display of Summer Reading Prizes for all age groups. 

SUMMER READS WITH SORA

The Vinita Public Library and the Vinita Public School District is gearing up for summer break. While summer presents an opportunity to relax and enjoy the sunshine, we want our students to continue to find ways to learn while away from the classroom.

We have an exciting reading service available through Sora, the student reading app, which provides free 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks. What better way to engage your student’s mind than through reading?

Starting May 4 – August 17, 2022, the Sora Sweet Reads program will offer a collection of Juvenile and Young Adult titles that will be prominently displayed in Sora for quick and easy unlimited access. You can explore the title offerings and learn more about the program here: https://resources.overdrive.com/sora-sweet-reads/.

How does it work?
Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school and the OK Virtual Library. Students can simply log in using school credentials and instantly access hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks on virtually any device. Get started today at https://soraapp.com or download the free Sora app for Android or iOS.