Libraries packed with summer events

Any way you measure it, eastern New Mexico is a long day's drive away from the nearest beach. 

But that hasn't stopped Clovis-Carver Public Library and the Portales Public Library from diving into "Oceans of Possibilities," the shared theme for the 2022 summer reading programs that kicked off early this month, and continue through the end of July. 

Both libraries have packed their summer calendars with activities and events that appeal to a wide range of ages, from storytimes for babies to book clubs for teens and crafts for adults. 

"Every year my kids look forward to the summer reading program at the library," said Deveri Mathews of Portales, whose four children are 18 months to 9 years in age. 

"They love to go the library all year, but the summer is extra special," Mathews said. "Fun programs, prizes to be won, a kick-off and closing party. We keep the pictures they take every year with their tracking of reading logs so they can look back and see themselves." 

Both libraries continue their year-round programming, but summer reading gives them the opportunity to fill their calendars with extra activities and events that allow patrons to escape the heat. 

The décor at both libraries is arguably "fishy" in keeping with the 2022 theme, but the programming includes plenty of pearls in store for the summer reading crowd, even those who might be joining in late. 

"It's never too late to sign up and kids don't have to be signed up to attend programming," according to Portales Public Library's children's librarian Sarah Victor. "The advantage to signing up is then they can earn prizes. I don't know anyone that does not enjoy prizes." 

The Portales Library offers at least one activity daily Mondays through Fridays, and Clovis offers events every day but Sundays through the end of July. 

Be looking for ocean-themed family movies at 6 p.m. each Monday at Clovis-Carver. The next showing is "Muppet Treasure Island." The library provides popcorn, and encourages families to bring other snacks as well as blankets for comfortable floor sitting. 

The Portales library's family movies are screened at 10:30 a.m. each Friday, with popcorn also on the menu. This week's feature is "Finding Dory." All ages are welcome. 

All ages are also welcome at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday for Portales' Voyager Visits. Local reptile enthusiast Jason Victor is scheduled to be in the meeting room this week with a selection of critters. 

While it might not fit the ocean theme, Clovis-Carver is bringing Chautauqua back at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to adult services coordinator Sara Williford, with a program called "Amazing Women of the Wild West." 

Williford said the two-hour program will feature veteran Chautauqua performer VanAnn Moore portraying a number of women who were important in New Mexico's territorial history. 

Both libraries are offering monthly book clubs for adults and teens. 

Clovis-Carver's teens and pre-teens will be discussing "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline at 6 p.m. June 30, while its adult reading group has slated a discussion of the novel "Death at La Fenice" by Donna Leon for a meeting at the end of July. 

Adult readers in the Portales Public Library are tackling "Verity" by Colleen Hoover when they meet again in July. 

"Getting involved with the summer reading program is a great way for kids to get out and do something," Victor said, "plus, it's completely free and gives families something to look forward to most days of the week." 

Not only that, it keeps kids interested in books, Victor added, which is really what it is all about. 

"The reading portion of the program is a great way for parents to encourage reading through the summer with incentives," she said. "It is definitely worth a try even if you've never participated before." 

Clovis-Carver Public Library is located at 701 N. Main St., Clovis, and offers information on its website, http://www.library.cityofclovis.org/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClovisCarverPublicLibrary, or by calling 575- 769-7840. 

 Learn more about the Portales Public Library, 218 S. Ave. B, Portales, at https://www.portalesnm.gov/department/?structureid=43, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PortalesPublicLibrary, or by calling 575-356-3940. 

 Happy swimming.