ABOVE: The Martin County Library has a large selection of summer activities for both children and adults. Visit the library and its website to learn more information and how to become involved.

FAIRMONT — Now is the time to dive into a brand new adventure as the libraries in Martin County are offering new programs to keep adults and children of all ages occupied during the summer season.

Michele Nelson oversees children and teenager activities, and Christine Hasek takes charge of adult programs.

To help plan for the events, the library pursues guidance from the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a country-wide non-profit organization that encourages learning through summer reading and activity programs. The CSLP selects an annual theme for the library programming. According to Nelson and the Collaborative Summer Library Program website, the 2024 theme is “adventure at your library.”

Nelson said that it’s nice to see new faces at the library events. The program itself is a rewarding experience, for both library staff and the attendants.

“It’s exciting to see kids trying all kinds of new things,” she stated.

“[The programs] are getting people out, versus staying home,” Hasek added.

Planned events surround adventurous activities that are bound to excite children of any age. Adventurous activity themes (including space, sky and more) change every week, as does the targeted age group for attendees. In the coming months, the library will bring a magician, Munchkin the therapeutic pony, a zoo-mobile, and plenty of events for families including weekly and/or monthly club gatherings.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming the programs at the library was not an easy task, Nelson shared. Luckily, with the assistance of CSLP and event planning, the summer activities have returned to the library in full swing.

The CSLP supplies several suggestions for events and programs to the libraries. However, Nelson stated that she frequently brainstorms occasions for children herself. CSLP proves to be helpful in the addition of advertising and their provided materials and posters.

“The activities are free if parents need something to do with their kids,” Nelson mentioned. “[Beyond the events] here, we have toys, scavenger hunts…[people and children] meet here for playdates.”

Hasek shared that she conducted a survey to plan activities for adults that align with their common interests. Hasek found that many adults in Martin County were interested in arts and crafts programs. Many adults engage in Chair Fitness, author panels, Books and Brews, and more activities.

“There’s a lot of variety. I never like doing the same thing over again,” Hasek noted, describing her plan to deliver many events that align with communal appeal around Martin County.

Due to the violent storms that have persisted throughout June, the number of participants has steadily declined. As the sunny weather is becoming slightly more prominent, weather-related causes (including flooding) are hoped to no longer be an obstacle for attendants.

“The more participation we have and the more people that come, the more we can do,” Nelson stated. She explained that the inclusion of the Fairmont community is what keeps their summer programming thriving.

In addition, legacy funds and the state of Minnesota grants have assisted the library in providing the best experience to its visitors. The library is located in several places around Martin County; including Fairmont, Sherburn, Trimont and Truman. For more information on forthcoming events and agenda, please visit the Martin County Library website, Facebook page and Instagram page.