Face-painting fun, crafts, treats delight at RPL

Kerri Gandy, Peggy Harrison and RPL director Joshlyn Bowen get in the spirit.

Willa Hood gets her face painted by the Franklin County Extension’s Shirley Jimenez at Friday’s summer reading program festivities at the Russellville Public Library.

RPL director Joshlyn Bowen and her daughter, Alivia, take part in the fun.

Children make a whale craft during Friday’s summer reading program event.

Brilynn Green gets her face painted.

Sarah Mann with Amelia and Shelby and Kristina Rossin show off their whale creations.

Bowen welcomes Shirley Jimenez and Katernia Cole Coffey from the Franklin County Extension. The two provided crafts and face painting for Friday’s event.

Naomi Marcelo enjoys the summer reading event with her mother, Perla Martinez.

Armando Gonzalez paints Alex Marcelo’s face.

Dylan Sanchez gets his face painted.

Nayely Mojica and Perla Martinez get ready to serve fruit and cookies for the library’s June 10 summer reading program event.

Tanner and Judd Hall enjoy the activities together.

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Fun times continued at the Russellville Public Library summer reading program this week.

Shirley Jimenez and Katernia Cole Coffey from the Franklin County Extension returned to instruct and help children have fun while enjoying fruit and other snacks, getting their faces painted and making crafts – a paper whale and an edible sea craft.

Ahead of the event start, Tammy West arranged a large artistic display of fruit and cookies.

“We are all about learning by doing,” explained Cole Coffey. “It was a fun day at the library and a great way for the kids to be entertained without technology, spending time using their hands to make crafts, as well as practicing listening and following instructions.”

“The program provided opportunities for creativity and productivity while learning how to accomplish a goal, as well as afforded opportunities to socialize.”

For Russellville Public Library director Joshlyn Bowen, the event represents a definite win.

“My goal is to get children excited about coming to the library,” explained Bowen. “Today’s program was so much fun, and every child seemed like the happiest kid in the world. The crafts and face painting were a huge success.”

The library was full of children eager to participate in the day’s activities.

“The summer reading program is booming here at the Russellville Public Library,” added Bowen. “The community has been such a blessing. Memories that will last a lifetime were made today. To me, that’s what a library is for: making endless memories, learning and coming together as a community.”

The remaining scheduled summer reading program events include the following programs:

• June 17: Pilgrim’s mascot Omelet will visit for a special story time at 2 p.m. The Russellville Ice Cream Truck will be on site.
• June 24: Puppeteer Ron Lightly will perform at 2 p.m.
• June 27: Steve Trash will perform at 1 p.m. at the library. The event is only open to those registered in the summer reading program. The library requests arrival by 12:45 p.m. in order to get seated and ready for the performance.
• July 8: Franklin County 4-H regional Extension agent Austin Blankenship will present an educational event at 2 p.m., to includes an octopus take-home craft bag.
• July 15: Tyler Thompson will present a STEM activity at 2 p.m.
• July 22: The McWane Science Center will present an Oceans Alive program at 2 p.m.
• July 29: An award ceremony with lots of refreshments will finish the summer’s activities at the Russellville City Pool from 5-7 p.m.

Registration is maxed out for the library’s summer reading program, but additional activities and events will be offered. For more information, visit the Russellville Public Library Facebook page, email ruslib110@yahoo.com or call 256-332-1535.

The library is located at 110 Lawrence Street E., and it is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.