Great and exciting activities have taken place all summer long at the Armstrong Library.

The 2019 Summer Reading Program was a success thanks to patrons, parents, volunteers, special guests and supporters.

Participants had the opportunity to explore space, technology, culture, industries and overall, “A Universe of Stories.”

They were inspired to dream big, read more, believe in themselves and create their own stories. Over 100 library patrons and visitors participated and experienced interactive storytelling, magic shows, art classes, crafts, sidewalk chalk art, virtual reality technology, electronic engineering, lip sync technology, 3D printing, tech talk, art and music fusion and wreath-making.

All participants were awarded certificates of successful completion, prizes sponsored by the library and more.

Four participants were awarded top prizes for summer reading, which included a gift bag and laptop sponsored by Roy King of Custom Computer Detailing.

In addition, the library hosted an amazing time during the summer movie matinee series every Wednesday afternoon with refreshments, as well as a rollicking fun concert for kids with Brian and Terry Kinder of Kinder Songs.

Moreover, the library hosted a six-week computational thinking program for preschool children, called “AHA! Island.”

Computational thinking is a creative way of thinking that enables children to identify and systematically solve problems, in a way that could be carried out by a computer.

The program was structured with six sessions, in which three computational thinking skills were introduced, “Create, Test and Improve.”

Each skill was practiced over two sessions, incorporating videos, hands-on activities, and a book to read aloud. Approximately 9 families completed the program successfully.

Exciting new programs and events are coming up at the library. In celebration of National Library Card Sign Up Month, all patrons and visitors are invited to join the fun at the library on Sept. 23-28. The schedule of activities goes as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 23: I Dream of GENEology Class with Marianne Raley at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 24: Library Tour at noon
• Wednesday, Sept. 25: digi DEMO Day (Digital Services) — log on to our Facebook page every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (www.facebook.com/JudgeGeorgeWArmstrong)
• Thursday, Sept. 26: Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m. with Liz Blalock
• Friday, Sept. 27: Library Tour at noon
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Lego Competition at 11 a.m. Library Card Sign Up Day

Sign up for the Lego Competition by Sept. 24 to participate. Space is limited, and prizes will be given for first-, second- and third-place winners.

Get your very own library card and embark upon a new world of experiences here at the library. For more information, please visit or call the Judge George W. Armstrong Library at 601-445-8862, or log on to www.armstronglibrary.com. You can also follow the library on Facebook. Explore the possibilities this year at the Armstrong Library.

Jessica Hawkins is program coordinator for the Armstrong Library, 220 South Commerce St., Natchez.