By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Spring Break can be a time to skip town and enjoy a sunny vacation somewhere warm. Great Bend Public Library staff is aware that not everyone leaves town. Youth Services Assistant Jessica Ney explained that's why the library is hosting its own 'staycation' this week with free events planned each day.
"We want to bring that vacation here," she said. "Have them come here and get away and celebrate, and do a few things that make them feel like they're on vacation."
Activities began Monday morning with a surfs-up surfboard decorating contest. The 2-foot surfboards will be displayed throughout the week so patrons can vote on their favorite decoration. Prizes will be handed out to the winners on Friday. Tuesday's storytime at 10:30 has been expanded for all ages so families can listen to a story and dance. Popcorn is on the menu Wednesday for a pair of different movies at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. as part of the Movies & Munchies activity. Non-perishable food items will be given away during Beach Blanket Bingo Thursday at 10:30 a.m. And wear your green on Friday, St. Patrick's Day, for a scavenger hunt throughout the library throughout the day. Participants can also build their own leprechaun trap.
"Our taxpayer dollars go towards our programs," Ney said. "We use the money we get from the city and from grants to put this stuff on for our community. We hope people can come down and enjoy our little mini-vacation away from the house. It's our version of a 'staycation.'"
The Great Bend Public Library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.