‘Heroes in the Park’ kicks off summer reading program

Even though the Farmington Public Library will be preparing to move to its new facility this summer, the annual reading program will still be offered.

The program, which is part of a state-wide “Every Hero has a Story” reading incentive, is an annual event which offer students a chance to continue reading during their summer vacation.

“We ask that children who are participating to read 720 minutes, 800 minute if they are older, before the end of the summer,” said Library Director Karen Roman. “It’s basically 15 minutes a day, and most children can manage that much reading.”

According to Roman, packets are available and ready to be picked up at the front desk of the library. Each packet contains reading logs the children must complete in order to receive prizes.

For those who complete their time and record it in their log book, they will receive a reading certificate, a book bag and a free book.

The reading event got its big kick off on June 2 at Engler Park with a theme of “Heroes in the Park.”

According to Roman, there was no better way to start off the reading program then meeting our local hometown heroes.

“We had a pretty good day, even with the rain,” Roman said. “It’s was great that everyone was able to participate and meet our local heroes.”

The big event featured representatives from many community service organizations, such as the Farmington Police Department, Farmington Fire Department, St. Francois Ambulance Service, Missouri State Corrections Department and the Missouri Conservation Department.

For both kids and adults, the big event began when St. Louis Children’s Critical Care helicopter, Kidsflight, made a perfect landing on the upper parking lot at the park.

“We love coming to events like this,” said Melissa Weick, a flight nurse on the helicopter. “We go out to schools and events like this frequently. It’s a great way to show the kids what we do and build a relationship with the community.”

According to Sgt. Sam Weekly of the Farmington Police Department, it is hard to compete against a helicopter and a new bright and shiny fire truck, but programs like this are really good for the community.

In addition to Children’s Hospital, the Farmington Fire Department was also on hand to talk to about being a fire fighter and how it is their job to help the community.

“We do a lot of these programs during the year,” said Chief Todd Mecey. “We try to start fire education as early as possible, and it looks like we are definitely having an impact on the kids.”

As the children moved from station to station listening to presentations from various organizations, many of children asked question about their jobs and what they did to help protect the community.

“I think this is wonderful way of to see these people in a positive light,” said Lauren Stein who was there with her two children, Miriam and Nate. “My son is also just obsesses with fire trucks, so he is having the best time.”

Roman thinks Tuesday’s event will motivate some of the children to join the program.

For more information on the summer reading program, contact the Farmington Public Library at 573-756-5779.

Karlee Mathes, 6, left, sits in the Children’s Hospital helicopter with her brother Chet, 4, during “Heroes in the Park.” The event was held on June 2 as part of the Farmington Public Library big kick off for their summer reading program.  

As part of Farmington Public Library summer reading program kick off, young readers got to meet their local heroes on June 2 at Engler Park. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” Pictured are possible future Farmington Fire Departments recruits, brothers John Paul Belken, left, and Patrick Belken.    

Sgt. Sam Weekly of the Farmington Police Department talks to Isaac Carroll, center, and his grandfather, Keith Hunt about the equipment in a police car on June 2 at Engler Park as part of the Farmington Public Library’s summer reading program kick off. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” The program challenges kids to read up to 800 minutes during their summer break.

Craig Vaughn is a reporter for the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-756-8927 or at cvaughn@farmingtonpressonlince.com