By Christopher Edmunds
The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library is working hard to fill summer break with fun family activities.

The “Sensational Selma” summer programs will begin Monday, June 2 with the Dynamite Magic Show from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

The nine-week program offers various activities Monday through Friday each week until July 25. Activities include everything from arts and crafts to reptile shows, live music and bingo.

“Each Monday and Thursday, we’ll host big events, usually professional groups,” said Becky Nichols, library director. “In between the week we’ll have puppet shows and arts and crafts.”

Nichols said the summer program focuses on getting children and families to get library cards and start using one of Selma’s valuable resources.

“It’s a great summer to get your rising first-grader a library card so he or she can start enjoying the library and develop a love of reading,” she said.

“Sensational Selma” will be the library’s 35th summer program, following last year’s success.

“Last summer we had over 6,000 children who attended our programs,” Nichols said. “So we’re excited and hoping that everybody participates again this year.”

In addition to the summer family activities, the library is offering a fine-free period from June 2 through July 25.

During this time, anybody with overdue books can get their fines cleared by returning the books to the library.

“This is the grace period,” Nichols said. “Whether you owe $27 or $72, we will clear your fines if you bring the books back.”

The library is asking anyone who uses the grace period to return overdue materials to contribute to the children’s summer events.

“That’s a lot of Crayons, a lot of glue, and a lot of modeling clay, so that takes money to sustain,” Nichols said.

For more information about summer programs and the fine-free period, visit the library in person or online at selmalibrary.org