For five weeks in the summer of 2021, young Abbeville residents enjoyed weekly entertainment at the Boys & Girls Club. The Abbeville Memorial Library, with support from Wiregrass RC & D grant funding, scheduled jugglers, magicians, balloon artists, and more to perform as part of the theme “Tails and Tales.”
The Summer Reading Program challenges three age groups (5-8, 9-12, and 13-16) to read as many books as they can. Approximately 50-60 children attend the hour-long sessions and compete in an AR competition, the winner of which received a $25 gift certificate. This program entertains children during the summer and promotes reading while familiarizing kids with the Abbeville Memorial Libary and the Boys and Girls Club, both invaluable community resources. Information on future Summer Reading Programs can be found on social media and in the Abbeville Herald.
The Headland Summer Reading Program was held at Headland United Methodist Church in the Family Life Center to allow for better social distancing and increased attendance. Many children seemed eager for a group learning opportunity after a year of online schooling.
Headland hosted five shows with entertainers in the theme of “Tails and Tales.” The students at this location also created Father’s Day and Fourth of July crafts, along with other hands-on activities. With WRCD funds, all students who read at least one book got a prize for participating and more students were able to attend. With 174 children enrolled in the program, Headland Summer Reading was a huge success, and they look forward to hosting even more students next summer.