The Kalona Public Library will make some COVID-19-related changes to their annual summer reading program. Plans to reopen the library to patrons are still being developed, so this year’s reading program will be held remotely from the comfort of children’s homes. Reading logs and take home crafts will be available for toddlers and grade school children to complete in exchange for tokens to Yotty’s Ice Cream and a free book. Library Co-Director Olivia Kahler says she will also be posting special story times and solutions to the crafts on the library’s Facebook page. New reading logs, take home crafts, and instructions on how to check out books through the curbside pickup program will be available to pick up every Monday at the foyer of the library. 

Along with kids from Kalona, children in Riverside can take part. Kahler tells KCII News Highland School Summer Librarian Sonya Stanerson will be delivering books and crafts to Riverside children who want to be part of the summer reading program. Registration for Riverside children will end next week and distribution of the materials will take place at the high school gymnasium next Wednesday. There is no registration deadline for those in Kalona. The limitations for Riverside was created to lessen the load of materials Stanerson has to take back to Riverside at one time. Plans for a teen and adult reading program are also being developed, and will be announced next week.