By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Yukon adults are being challenged to read more – while participating in some educational and entertaining activities – this fall at their local public library.
The 2023 Adult Fall Reading Program is underway at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library, 1200 Lakeshore. Nearly 80 adults have signed up – and there’s room for more to join in the fun.
“The adult fall reading program is an extension of our big summer reading program that we have for children and teens,” library associate Lindsay Ogle said.
This year’s reading theme is, “All Together Now.”
Participants track how much they’re reading by logging their minutes, and winners are drawn in weekly prize drawings.
Adults may register for the digital reading log through the “READsquared” online reading platform on the Mabel C. Fry Library’s website. Paper logs also are offered at the library.
“They can read anything – and also listen to audiobooks,” Ogle noted. “We don’t have any required reading. It’s reading for fun.
“One of our mission statements is to support lifelong learning. So, we want to encourage adults to learn new things or read for fun.”
Since Sept. 1, more than 36,000 reading minutes have been tallied by the library’s program participants.
“They’re on track to beating last year’s numbers,” Ogle said.
Special hour-long Thursday night programs this fall are based on the “All Together Now” theme – which focuses on kindness, friendship and community building.
The kick-off session on Sept. 7 was requested – and back at Yukon’s library by popular demand.
Fall reading participants enjoyed the “Extreme Animals” live show featuring favorite cuddly creatures and animal friends.
“It’s the most popular children’s and teen program of the year – the adults like it too!” Ogle said. “Some of the parents who weren’t able to see it with their kids (this summer) got to come and have like a ‘parents night out’.”
Ogle’s is the Yukon library’s adult programmer and young adult programmer.
The second session Sept. 14 was “Puzzle Pandemonium” in which attendees participated in a puzzle swap and puzzle race to earn prizes.
MORE TO COME …
Three more 2023 Adult Fall Reading Program sessions are planned, each starting at 7 p.m. Thursday:
- Sept. 21 – Local beekeeper Susan Turner will explain the basics of backyard beekeeping and what people can do so save the bees during “Be Kind to Bees.”
- Sept. 28 – Using their DIY skills to spread participants will learn how to make their own stamps and print with them during “Intro to Printmaking.”
- Oct. 5 – Participants will be able to complete a historical scavenger hunt in this “Memories on Main Street” program provided by the Yukon Main Street Association.
“I would just love for people to bring their photos or memories of Yukon to share with one another,” Ogle said. “We have photos of Miss Fry here at the library that are on display, but we don’t know what people have in their personal collections.”
Yukon residents can decide which programs they want to attend.
“Some people loving coming to all of them because they like to experience different things,” Ogle pointed out. “Some come just to the ones that sound interesting to them.”
Grand prizes – gift cards and a tote bag from Red Bird Coffee House – will be awarded to top readers at the end of the Yukon library’s fall adult reading program.
To register for Yukon’s “All Together Now” fall reading program, visit www.mabelcfrypubliclibrary.com or call (405) 354-8232.
