Programs for Kids and Teens Top Priority for CCL Staff

In Christian County, more than 27 percent of the population is under 18 years old. Among Christian County library cardholders, more than 20 percent are under 18. As a result, providing programs, services, and resources that meet the needs of the under-18 population is vital to the mission of the library.

Increasing literacy and a love of reading is a major goal behind programs like storytimes, Pets as Listeners (where children read to therapy dogs), and author visits. But other library programs for kids and teens are planned to build community. They offer recreational opportunities for families, get library visitors involved in hands-on projects like crafts, support the curriculum of county schools, give children a chance to explore their interests in a non-commercial environment, and even introduce them to age-appropriate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics.

Like most library services, Christian County Library programs are free to attend, meaning everyone has the same access regardless of income or other limitations. When you include story times, there are 34 library programs in March just for kids and teens. The number of events offered each month will more than double during the library’s popular summer reading program.

The biggest library event this month will be a live, family-friendly concert with the band “The Shake Ups in Ponyville.” To accommodate a larger crowd, this free event will be held at the O.C., 1530 W. Jackson St. in Ozark, on Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. The Shake Ups in Ponyville is a band dedicated to creating original music inspired by the popular children’s television show, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. All ages are welcome to attend.

To stay informed of all upcoming programs for kids and teens, visit the library calendar. Or, pick up a copy of the library’s quarterly newsletter at the library, the O.C., or the Nixa X Center. You can also access the newsletter online, or sign up to receive it by email each month. For more information, call the library at 417-581-2432.