The Macksville City Library hosted 21 excited local preschool students in the new library addition recently to celebrate Kansas Reads to Preschoolers month. This initiative takes place each November as part of a statewide project through the State Library of Kansas to ensure that all public libraries in the state promote early literacy.

The featured book for 2023, “My Heart Fills With Happiness,” by Monique Gray Smith, was a perfect read-aloud during Native American Heritage Month, with its spotlight on Native American family life and culture.

Thanks to a $400 donation from the Midwest Energy Community Fund, the Macksville City Library was able to offer some extra special activities for the local Pre-K students to enjoy.

After listening to the story, everyone brainstormed and shared something that made them happy. From baby cats and family, to basketball and reading books, the list was long (and could have gone on and on!).

Then, we divided into three groups so students could decorate a bookmark with something that made them happy, “fill” their new scarecrow bear with stuffing, and create a nametag for their bear. Some of the many unique names chosen were: Teddy, Clifford, Heart, Bob, and Tree.

Finally, we all sampled some Bannock (Native American bread) that was mentioned in the story. Made with only flour, salt, baking powder, canola oil and water, it was a chance to try something new. Some wanted butter on theirs, some wanted grape jelly (some wanted MORE grape jelly!), but almost everyone gave this new taste treat a big “Thumbs Up!”

We are SO THANKFUL to Midwest Energy for the donation, and to Mrs. Loomis and Mrs. Wolff and five of her high school students for donating their time to help make this program a success.

Reading to children is one of the most important things you can do to help them on the road to literacy and a love of learning.  Plus, it Fills Their Hearts with Happiness!

If you have children Pre-K or younger, consider enrolling them in the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Visit the library for more details.

And, drop by the library to sign up for our Christmas Drawing and to shop our “De-LIGHT-ful” Book & Rummage Sale, to help replace the lighting in the original part of the library. 

Check out our website: macksvillelibrary.com for more on these and other exciting events at the library.

BY JODY SUITER

Library Director