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Written and Submitted to the Star-News by APL Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray

Growing up in Andalusia, summertime meant there would be certain things happening: swimming lessons at the city pool, vacation Bible school, and summer reading at the library. These are events that are still a part of our heritage today.

I recently found the paperwork where my Mama Mary signed me up for a library card at 6 years old. This summer over 200 cards were issued to children and adults from our little library. As a little girl I sat in the Dixon Room and watched performers. As a young mama, my sons were also present for programs and checking out books. Like so many people in Andalusia, we have grown up in this library.

This year 1,465 people attended the 2024 Summer Reading Program. This is the biggest turnout we have experienced in the 17 years I’ve been working at the library. Over 1,500 books have been registered on reading logs. That means that the children in our community have not only collected prizes but more importantly, checked out books, took them home, and read them. Think of all the places the library books from Andalusia have traveled this summer: beaches, car rides, plane trips, ballparks, camping, visits to grandparents, etc.

Popcorn could be smelled throughout the building on Movie Mondays. Tweens and Teen Tuesday involved painting and beading and music. Daycares and summer camps brought their groups for tours and private story times. The city parades were hot but it’s always fun to hear “Hey Library Lady.” Lego Contests have showcased the amazing creativity of our kids. Friday mornings at the library involve kids, kids, and more kids. From babies to preschoolers, to older homeschool children there has been activity happening at the library.

The participation in the summer reading program has grown and become more successful than ever with the help of our generous community. Lost Pizza gave free pizzas to every child that read 10 books!! (6-year-old D.J. Damon read 370 books!) The Kiwanis organization donated funds for our programs. Parents in the community donated door prizes for other children in memory of their own child’s history in the library. WAAO and the Star-News have supported and publicized our activities. Thank you, Andalusia, for supporting the library and children in our town.

Summer break may be over and some stories may be coming to an end, but Andalusia Public Library is still going strong.

The library will host “Raising Readers” Baby Lap Time every Friday morning at 10 a.m. and Preschool Story Time is also on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.