After taking some time off due to the coronavirus pandemic, a popular event with the Perry Public Library will make its return this weekend. 

Kids Fest with the Perry Public Library will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend the free event. Library Director Mary Murphy says it’s exciting to have Kids Fest returning this year after not being able to be held since 2019. 

“We have bubbles, we have foam, we have animals, we have lunches for $1, we have fun crafts. It is just a fun time for families. I’ve designed it to have that experience with your kids and we also have the opportunity for every family to get a picture taken of themselves at thids event so they have a memento.”

Murphy tells Raccoon Valley Radio Kids Fest serves as a kick off to the summer reading program, which has an Oceans of Possibilities theme this year. Murphys says the summer reading program is important to prevent the ‘summer slide’.

“You have this erosion of their literacy because they aren’t reading as much in the summertime and that’s what the summer library program focuses on is reading and having enriching experiences and programming and getting them excited about reading, reading is so important. I can’t stress  how important reading is to a kids’ success in schools, success in life.”

For more information on Kids Fest or to get registered for the children, teen or adult Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program you can go here. Also, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will be on location during Kids Fest from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.