HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The next few months at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library will be busy as they launch into an exciting circus themed summer reading program and continue work on long anticipated renovations.
The massive rejigging of the library layout was originally estimated to be completed in spring of 2025, but Executive Director Tiffany Luna told Christian County Now that the project has been extended through the summer. After a complete demolition early this year, continued work on the elevators and the second floor will tentatively be finished after the summer reading program ends around July 13, giving them one last season in their current layout.
“Now that the walls are up, you can see the space really taking shape, it’s not just on a piece of paper anymore,” said Luna.
During a tour upstairs, Luna walked through the layout of the now unrecognizable space, which includes a lot of open areas to soon accommodate the children’s section, a new teen room, and a large community room that can fit over 100 people and is equipped with a kitchen and bathroom. A priority of the new layout was to accommodate a lot of storage and separate spaces for staff, including their own breakroom and new offices. There is also a permanent in-house home for the Literacy Council on the second floor.
Amid the construction mess, clear progress is seen as all of the drywall is up, all fixtures are installed, and bathrooms are underway. Things will kick into high gear once the new elevator is up and running. Luna is already looking ahead to the future, brainstorming ways to eventually renovate downstairs to incorporate private work areas for patrons once the renovations are complete.
Summer reading program
Amid the work upstairs, downstairs is business as usual as the library prepares to launch their annual summer reading program, with the hopes of engaging the community with fun events while promoting literacy. This summer’s whimsical theme will transport readers to the circus with Reading Under the Big Top.
“We want a safe environment for kids to go because not everybody has the funds to go on these long vacations over the summer,” said Youth Services Librarian Kiwana Bridges. “We wanted to provide that fun excitement for not only reading, but for the library and exploring imagination and creativity. ”
Handmade decor by artistic staff members already fills the library, transporting patrons straight to the circus. Themed books will also be displayed, and packets with reading lists will be provided alongside the program, encouraging kids to read more about this fun topic, or explore books on their own. Library staff agreed that the summer program creates a fun sense of community, while provided a free social and creative outlet to residents in and around Christian County.
“Strong readers become strong leaders, and we really want to be part of building up our community and really helping foster a safe space to grow, develop, and have fun,” said Mari-Alice Jasper with HCCPL.
They have found a way to incorporate several themed activities to go along with the program, utilizing their outdoor space and surrounding businesses for the summer. During their kickoff party on May 31, there will be a stilt walker, hula hoop performers face painting, balloon artists, and free cotton candy for the first 150 guests.
There will also be a free screening of The Greatest Showman at the Alhambra Theater on July 3, a juggling performance on June 28, and an adult Sip & Paint at The Local with a fun circus theme on June 26.
Jasper also vocalized her gratitude to the community for the continued patience during the renovation, also thanking the staff for their creativity to promote reading. Find a full list of summer program events below.
