Canton Library Summer Reading Program

The Canton Public Library’s “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Summer Reading Program runs June 1 through July 30. This year, the focus will be on camping, the great outdoors, teamwork, and personal challenges. A new selection of books for all ages has been purchased, including books about camping, hunting, and fishing, and a wide variety of graphic novels, picture books, and fiction.

Because last years’ Community Reading Goal of 45,000 minutes was exceeded, the library has set a goal for 2022 of 75,000 minutes. The community can monitor the progress at the library’s S’More Stack thermometer. The more minutes read, the taller the S’More Stack!
Participants are encouraged to log their reading minutes on their Beanstack™ accounts. From Beanstack™, users can also complete activities and write book reviews. To register for Beanstack™, or sign into your existing account, visit https://www.cantonmopubliclibrary.org and click on the Beanstack™ button, or download the Beanstack™ app. Patrons without computer access are invited to come to the library for assistance or to pick up paper reading logs.

At certain milestones of reading, participants will earn prizes such as treats from Casey’s, ice cream from Primo’s, and a flower or balloon from Sisters on 6, as well as raffle tickets to deposit in the prize basket drawings of their choice. The more you read, the more tickets you can earn! Adults can choose from a Spa Basket, a Home & Outdoors Basket, or Family Fun Basket. Kids and teens can choose from a variety of fun baskets, too, loaded with sweet treats, fun activities, gift cards, and more!

From June 7 through July 30, the library is hosting weekly events for all ages - storytimes for preschoolers on Thursdays at 10:00 AM; events for kids 6 to 11 on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM; and new this year, programs for teens ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30. Programs will include camp cooking, a visit from Wakonda State Park Superintendent Kyle Scott, macrame and duct tape crafts, tye-dying, survival skills, and more.

Several Friday evening family events are scheduled as well, including professional storyteller W.T. Johnson on July 8 and the super-popular “Stuffed Animal Sleepover” on July 22. All are encouraged to visit the library’s camping photo booth, animal tracks guessing game, and other fun on-going activities. For more information and a complete schedule, visit https://www.cantonmopubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2022. Director Mary Kay Lane advises everyone to check back frequently for updates or changes.

The library is hosting a Kick-Off celebration on Thursday, June 2 from 5:30 to 7:00 with games, a community bear hunt, a Story Walk, and more. Hot dogs, chips and a drink will be served. All registered participants will receive a coupon for a free concession at the Lewis Street Playhouse showing of “The Parent Trap” on June 3 or June 10, at 6:30 PM. The Kick-Off event is sponsored by Homebank.

The library is located at 403 Lewis Street in Canton. It is open Tuesday - Friday 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays 10 AM to 2 PM. Check for updates and information on Facebook at Your Canton Library, or call 573-288-5279.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.