The DeKalb County Library Summer Reading Program concluded Thursday afternoon with an end-of-event bash starring the Kevin Kidd Family Band at the county complex.

“They’ve gotten a head start on reading this summer,” said Kathy Hendrixson of the Justin Potter Library. “We’ve had a lot of entertainment and fun this summer.”

A total of 125 children signed up for the program which began on May 31 with Barry Mitchell and “Readers Rock” program. Rangers from Edgar Evins came on June 7 and brought animals for the children to see and pet. On June 14, Professor Gray Beard showed children than science can be fun and last week Lisa Cripps from the Prevention Coalition taught children not to bully, using the book “Giraffes Can’t Dance” as an example.

The final program of the year featured Kevin Kidd and his family including Melody, Kadence, Caroline and special guest, Anthony. The group performed fun songs for the children, including many interactive tunes. Along the way, Kevin explained the science behind their instruments. He echoed Professor Gray Beard who, two weeks before, had explained that all sounds are made by vibrations and that sound moves in waves.

Kevin, sporting his smiley face guitar, suggested parents who would like their children to learn the guitar start with something like the ukulele first because it is easier to play and more cost effective.

“After that, the guitar is the next step,” Kevin noted, his teen-age band members playing the fiddle, banjo, ukulele and bass guitar.
While the season is over for the Summer Reading program both at Justin Potter and Alexandria, there will be an education celebration on Smithville Town Square July 27 at 6 p.m.