Library’s summer story hour returns on June 3

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Library’s annual summer story hour returns next week, offering preschool and early elementary children a fun and educational opportunity to explore the world of animals through stories, crafts, and live demonstrations.

The 2025 program kicks off Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. and will continue every Tuesday throughout the month of June. 

This year’s theme is Animals, and each session will feature a different animal guest and a coordinating craft.

“This year is going to be so much fun,” said librarian Sharla Mitchell. “Each week the kids will hear stories, meet real animals, and get to create a craft related to that animal.”

The lineup includes:

•June 3 – Horses, with local resident Kelsey Bell bringing her horse for the children to meet.

•June 10 – Longhorns.

•June 17 – Goats.

•June 24 – Chickens.

Story time will be followed by a hands-on craft activity led by staff from the Old Jail Art Center, which is collaborating with the library to enhance the interactive experience.

Organizer Janna Ledbetter said the weekly program offers more than just entertainment – it fosters early literacy and helps young children feel at home in the library setting.

“This is a great way to introduce kids to books, the library, and our community,” Ledbetter said. “We’re especially excited to see the kids interact with the animals each week and connect that to what they’re hearing in the stories.”

The sessions are open to all preschool and early elementary-aged children. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult. No preregistration is required.

For more information, contact Janna Ledbetter at 325-260-3857.