Animals, magic, music and more will take the spotlight when Columbia Public Library hosts its Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program's theme is "Tails and Tales," and the program, which kicked off June 5, will run through Saturday, Aug. 14.

"We have a really good variety of programs for all ages," said Lisa Greybill, director of the library, who added that she begins planning the library's summer schedule in December. "The county gives us five programs, and then I come up with the rest."

She said this year, she wanted to bring even more people to the programs, so she made a change from past years. "I added several evening programs, beginning at 6 p.m.," she stated. "That way, if people are working during the day, they can come to these at night. And we still have a lot of programs during the day for people who can't come in the evening."

Highlights of the program include Tiny Tales, featuring bubbles and play time for children up to 18 months old, as well as two new partnerships the library has made.

"We're working with Allison Scholz of Columbia Crossing, who is going to run a Junior Ranger program for us, and with Grace Julian of The Edible Classroom, who is going to offer Garden Camp," Greybill shared.

She said she is particularly excited about Servant Stage, a theater organization, which will perform "Old-Time Gospel Hour," as well as programs led by Ryan "The Bug Man" Bridge, juggler Chris Ivey and Fred "Phredd" McNaughton, who will perform a concert for families.

"A really cool program we're having is an evening with Ran'D Shine, who is an illusionist and mind reader," Greybill noted. "I would encourage teens and adults to come out for his program. He will literally give you chills."

Participants in the Summer Reading Program can pick up a reading log at the library or use an app called Beanstack to track their reading. "All children who participate and return their log will receive a free Barnstormers lawn ticket," Greybill said, noting that additional prizes vary by age group.

She acknowledged that the Summer Reading Program would not happen without the financial support of D.H. Funk & Sons, as well as the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company, which allows the library to use the park for its programs, and the Columbia Lions Club, who allows use of the park's gazebo.

After last year's Summer Reading Program was virtual-only, Greybill is excited to return to in-person programs this year.

"We need to keep kids reading over the summer," she stated. "We want them to realize that reading takes place outside of the classroom, and it's not just for school. We want them to make reading a lifelong habit."

For more information on the Summer Reading Program, visit https://columbiapubliclibrary.org/.