Introducing HPL on the GO!

BY JESSA McCLURE, HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to far off places or taking your family on an adventure, then the Hewitt Public Library is the place for you this summer! HPL’s theme for its annual summer reading program this year is “Traveling Through the Pages,” and books are your ticket to exotic destinations.

Not only will patrons be able to find amazing locations for adventures inside pages of the books on HPL’s shelves, but they will also get the chance to participate in travel-themed photo opportunities and pick up weekly craft kits.

“We will have a large world map inside the library where patrons can mark the places they’ve traveled in a book, or in person,” said HPL Director, Waynette Ditto.

Some of your child’s favorite characters will also make appearances at the library this summer. Stop by and see Mickey and Minnie, Black Panther, Buzz and Woody, Paw Patrol characters Chase and Marshall, Elsa, the Minions, Sonic and Knuckles, and Cinderella. Appearances will take place June 6 through July 25, with visit times ranging from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Not only will there be fun happenings at the library, but thanks to a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HPL’s programs can now reach the community outside of the library’s walls with the help of a new bookmobile called “HPL on the GO”. “Bookmobiles are an important and perhaps the truest form of library outreach, as their role is to bring the library to the people,” Ditto said.

From the trailer, library staff will be able to create new library cards, create small crafts, give away free books and library swag, and participate in many other engaging activities. “We will be able to go to school-sponsored events, community events, as well as local block parties,” Ditto added, “Through donated books, we can go out into the community and deliver books to the areas that need them the most.” Ditto hopes that in the future, HPL on the GO will become a full-service branch of the library that provides programming and numerous materials for patrons of all ages.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! HPL will also host performances by a creature teacher, a magician, a Texas tall tales storyteller, and much more. These special events will take place at the library, Waco’s Mammoth National Monument, Cameron Park Zoo, Hewitt Park and Warren Parks on Wednesday mornings all summer long, so you won’t want to miss the fun!

For more information about summer programming and the new bookmobile, visit cityofhewitt.com, Hewitt Public Library’s Facebook page, or call (254) 666-2442.

Each issue of Express magazine will feature an article submitted by a member of the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Watch for more great info in future issue!