250 Attend Summer Reading program
The Jeff Davis County Library’s Summer Reading program is experiencing unprecedented growth this year, prompting a collaborative venue shift to accommodate the larger crowds. Following a turnout of more than 250 attendees for the Wild Wonders Animal Show on June 10, it was decided the final three summer performances would need to be moved to a larger facility to ensure public safety and comfort.
Recognizing that the library’s internal meeting room could no longer safely host these large crowds, Ohoopee Regional Library System Director Cameron Asbell reached out to the Jeff Davis School System administration. In a swift show of community support, the school system agreed to host the remaining three major summer performances at the Jeff Davis Multipurpose Ag Center.
“The Jeff Davis County School System has always been a great partner to the library,” said Matthew Stembridge, Jeff Davis Librarian. “I’ve been able to visit the library at the Primary School to read to the kids during the book fair, we’ve visited the High School during lunch to promote library events and recruit volunteers for the summer, and I participated in Trunk or Treat this past October. We always try to partner with the schools whenever we can. In this instance we needed something and the school system stepped up for us.”
Upcoming Performance Schedule
All remaining performances will take place at 2 p.m. at the Jeff Davis Multipurpose Ag Center, located at 96 Pat Dixon Road.
● Wednesday, June 17: Magician Chad Crews
● Wednesday, June 24: Magician Bill Packard
● Wednesday, July 1: Jason Clark of Southeastern Reptile Rescue
About the Summer Reading Program
The Jeff Davis County Library officially launched its Summer Reading initiative May 26 offering free educational programming including crafting, art, movies, and coding classes alongside reading incentives for all ages.
All summer programs remain free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of local community sponsors. The library extends its sincere gratitude to this year’s corporate partners:
● Williams Brothers Trucking
● The Bank of Hazlehurst
● Bateman Realty
● Interstate Credit Union
● Morris Forestry Services
● Southern Eyecare
● Wainwright-Parlor Funeral Home
For more information about the upcoming performances or to sign up for the Summer Reading program, visit the Jeff Davis County Library or check its Facebook page.
