As many area schools are back in session, the Selma-Dallas County Public Library believes school time should still be fun time.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 22, the library will hold 45-minute story times and craft sessions at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The “Just for Fun” program will continue Aug. 29, with more projects to take place September through December.

The “Friendship Fun,” in August will encourage students to work together.

“It’s our standard Monday morning preschool program,” said library director Becky Nichols. “It’s a weekly gathering for kids. It’s a seasonal thing where children can hear a story (and) do a craft. Everyone is invited to come.”

Nichols said students will make a rainbow fish craft to celebrate individuality and friendship. During the month of September, students will make an apple craft for the library’s “An Apple a Day” concept and have a chance to purchase their very own library cards.

“By the first grade you can get your own library card,” Nichols said. “We bring in kids from the city, county and private schools by busloads … we’ve had over 600 kids.”

With mask making and puppet shows in October and Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts in November and December, Nichols said the library’s main goal is literacy.

“Everything we do down here is designed to get our kids in the library … to keep the literacy campaign going,” Nichols said. “We never stop. We want our kids to get reading and keep reading. Activities like these are fun for our kids and when the library is fun, it’s a place to come to.”

But library involvement doesn’t stop there.

“After school we’re helping kids with reports and with projects their assigned,” Nichols said.

The following are story time and craft dates for “Just for Fun”: Sept. 12, 19 and 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 21 and 28; Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

For groups of 10 or more planning to attend the fall session, call 874-1730 to make reservations.