By Jasmyne Ray | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library has been bustling over the past month with a packed summer calendar that will continue into July.

Since the beginning of the month, the library has had various activities scheduled each day.

“We have big events like the magic show and petting zoo,” said library director Becky Nichols. “We plan large events to get as many kids as possible into the library.”

Nichols said the library has tried to plan events the whole family can enjoy, and the turnout for events has been “outstanding.”

The library’s goal is to get children in the door and a library card in their hands.

“All the audiences have been well behaved and have enjoyed all the events.” Nichols said. “We’ve got a balance of things. Performers, puppet shows and story time.”

A more serious event that the library hosts is Teen Talk. It has been held every Monday in June at 2 p.m. and each session focuses on different subjects relevant to teens such as bullying and money management but also cooking and fitness.

“The library is not just reading, it’s learning how to do certain things that lend to a better quality of life,” Nichols said. “Sometimes, it’s just coming and having a good time with your family, but all of it hopefully puts our families together especially during the summer when so many children are out of school and parents have an opportunity to spend more time with their kids. We want them to spend that time here.”

The programs aren’t just about wanting children to read; they’re about getting them to learn skills and form relationships.

Ultimately, Nichols would like to see children and parents alike getting library cards and wanting to check books out and read them together at home.

This week, there will be a Juggling Action Show on Monday and a “King Midas” puppet show on Tuesday.

Teen Talk will also be moved to Tuesday at its regular time.

On Wednesday, there will be an Open House Art Make and Take, a Make-a-Flag event on Thursday and Word Bingo on Friday.

The library will be closed from Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4.