Annual summer reading kickoff carnival coming to Emmet O’Neal Library

The Emmet O’Neal Library and the Junior Women’s Committee of 100 will host their annual Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival on Sunday, May 17.

The afternoon’s events begin at 3 p.m. with the Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run. Children and their grownups are invited to walk, run, bike, scoot, skate and stroll the one-mile course that starts in front of the library and runs through the adjacent neighborhood.

The carnival runs from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will feature a train ride, face painting, game booths, a rock-climbing wall, a bouncy house and food trucks. Wristbands – which come with a T-shirt and allow kids to participate in all carnival activities – will be available at the Emmet O’Neal Library starting in May. Patrons can also buy wristbands and individual activity tickets at the carnival.

During the carnival, librarians will be on hand to help children sign up for the summer reading program. This year’s theme is “Every Hero Has a Story,” and patrons can participate both online and in person. Older elementary students can also register for Xtreme Reads, an additional reading challenge with extra prizes. Summer reading programming will begin Monday, June 1.

Children can start superhero training early by becoming an Emmet O’Neal Book Buddy. A $100 donation purchases a book for the children’s department, including a nameplate in the front to honor your own special superhero. A donation also includes an invitation to a superhero meet-and-greet on May 12, where children will have the opportunity to read and check out the books donated in their names, meet the superheroes and enjoy a super snack and craft. Donation forms are available in the Children’s Department. In order to attend the meet-and-greet, donations are due by May 5.

This year, in an inaugural fundraising event, local merchants of Crestline, English, Mountain Brook and Cahaba villages are collaborating to offer specific products and services as prizes in a raffle. Winners will be announced at the end of the Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit the Emmet O’Neal Library Children’s Department. To see a list of raffle prizes and purchase tickets, visit the EOL children’s desk. Tickets will also be available at the carnival.

The events of the Summer Reading Kickoff are organized and run by the members of the JWC of 100, a set of women from the community who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the Emmet O’Neal Library Children’s Department by volunteering their time and efforts. The event was planned by Carnival Chairs Karon Staples and Krista Holloway, Fun Run Chairs Katie Avery and Suzanne Vardaman, JWC President Lindsay Cutshall, and Vice President Bronwyne Chapman. Library staff said they are grateful to the other members of the JWC who have spent over 400 hours helping in the Children’s Department throughout the school year.

-Submitted by the Emmet O’Neal Library