The Ellinwood School/Community Library offers programs focused on early literacy and childhood development, including weekly storytimes for preschool-aged children and Baby & Me programming for infants and toddlers. Outreach services also extend into St. John’s CDC through regular visits.
During summer months, the library becomes a hub for youth programming. Summer Reading activities provide opportunities for children from preschool through sixth grade to continue reading, learning, and participating in enrichment activities while school is out of session.
Maintaining literacy skills over summer break is one of the major goals of these programs, helping reduce learning loss while encouraging enjoyment of reading.
Additional resources supporting children and families include:
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library participation
- Children’s collections used by classrooms
- Alpha Bags utilized by kindergarten teachers
- Access to digital reading platforms
- Reading recommendations from staff
Displays throughout the year also celebrate student creativity and community learning. Grade school and high school art exhibits showcase student work, while special exhibits bring broader educational opportunities into the community. Upcoming exhibits and programs continue the library’s role as both an educational and cultural center.
Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.
