'Every Hero Has a Story': Library gears up for summer reading program

SIKESTON -- Complete with a night skyline and Batman light logo, two staff members at Sikeston Public Library are transforming the McAmis Community Room into Gotham City.

Ann Thompson, children's librarian at the library, said the room's new look is part if this year's summer reading program, which takes on the statewide theme: "Every Hero Has a Story."

"It is a superhero theme, but we're also highlighting environmental heroes, animal heroes, community-helper heroes as well as tall-tale heroes," Thompson said. "It's a variety of heroes."

Over 300 children ages preschool through high school are expected to participate in the library's summer programs, which begin as early as June and run through August, Thompson said.

New this year the library will host weekly special presentations open to the public at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays beginning June 8. These sessions are geared to children ages 5 and up, Thompson said.

For the full story, see today's e-edition.