Beginning Mon., June 15, the Jackson-Madison County Library will reopen to the public in a limited capacity. The Library is also launching its summer reading program on the same day.

The Main Library will offer curbside services only between the hours of 9 am to noon Monday through Friday. The public will be able to enter the building to browse for materials or use the computer lab from noon until 6 pm Monday through Thursday and noon until 5 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, the Main Library will only offer curbside services from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The North Branch will only offer curbside services during its regular operating hours of 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To ensure the safety of patrons and staff, patrons must enter the Main Library from the College Street side of the building. Every guest must wear a face covering and will undergo a health screening. During this time, a limited number of computers will be available. There will be no seating for reading or studying.

“We understand that our patrons have been looking forward to our reopening, but we must do so in a way that protects our vulnerable populations and limits the spread of the virus,” said Dinah Harris, library director. “By continuing our curbside services during the morning hours, limiting capacity and screening patrons at the door, we hope to provide the safest environment we can for our community.”

Also on Monday, the library will launch its annual summer reading program for all ages. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story” and the program is made possible by a contribution from the Friends of the Library. This year, the entire program will be offered online through a website and app called ReadSquared. The Tennessee State Library and Archives purchased a license for every library in Tennessee to be able to offer their summer programs virtually. Not only can children, teens and adults use the app to log reading but the app also includes a variety of age-specific summer activities that can be completed to earn digital badges.

Activities range from encouraging children to create stories using blocks and playdoh to encouraging adults to shop or dine at local businesses. Everyone participating in the program will be given a journal that will be used in a variety of ways throughout the summer and the library will offer “take and make” craft kits that can be completed at home. There will also be a special program for all ages to encourage novel writing. To register for the program and to start completing activities, go to jmclibrary.readsquared.com. The library will also be posting videos on its Facebook and YouTube pages.

“Children and teens will be better prepared for school in the fall if they read over the summer,” said Harris. “Our summer reading program aims to make reading fun through these online challenges and activities. Parents can model this behavior by also participating in the program and any adult can enjoy not only reading but writing, journaling and exploring our community.”

Prizes will be awarded throughout the summer through raffle drawings on ReadSquared and the grand prize winners at the end of the summer will be announced in a special video by Mayor Scott Conger. The program will run through July 31.

The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson and the North Branch is located at 8 Stonebridge Blvd. next to China Pan Buffet. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page or its website.