The Cortez Public Library is closing out its summer reading program this week with a visit from a local paleontologist and a final call for participants to submit their reading logs.
Paleontologist John Hankla will speak at the library Friday, July 31, at 3 p.m. Hankla, who loaned the library its current dinosaur display, will discuss tyrannosaurs and the prehistoric animal featured in the exhibit.
Library Director Leroy Harris said the program was recently rescheduled, and he encouraged visitors to double-check the new time.
Friday is also the deadline for children, teens and adults to turn in their summer reading tracking logs. Participants who submit their logs will be entered into prize drawings for their age groups.
Adults will also receive a participation prize, although Harris said those prizes have not yet arrived. Library staff will contact participants when they become available.
The library’s programming calendar will be lighter in August as staff recover from the busy summer reading season and hire a new adult programming coordinator.
Weekly children’s story times will continue Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., with stories, songs, movement and crafts.
Teen video game night is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. An after-hours teen hangout will follow Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with snacks and games.
The adult book club will meet Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4:30 p.m. Crafts and Conversations, where participants can bring their own projects and work alongside other community members, will meet Friday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The library’s movie club will take August off while staff prepare for future screenings.
Harris said the library’s computers, meeting rooms, study spaces and open Wi-Fi remain available. The library recorded about 31,000 connections to its Wi-Fi network over the past year.
Digital materials are also available through the Libby app, and Harris said the library expects to add the Hoopla digital lending service soon.
Harris also reminded patrons that the Cortez Public Library does not charge overdue fines.
Accounts may eventually be charged for the replacement cost of an item that is considered lost, but that charge is removed when the item is returned, regardless of how late it is.
“No guilt tripping, no fines,” Harris said. “Just bring them back, and you’re all clear.”
