By Matthew Phillips

Troy Public Library’s “Color Our World” summer programs are off to a bright start, with free, hands-on events inspiring creativity. 

“The camps have been going great,” said Kate Deal, the children’s librarian for Troy Public Library. “We have had a lot of kids show up, and it is a great way to learn the introduction of art, and we even had animal shows this week.” 

Among the most popular events so far was Animal Tales, held this past Tuesday, which drew roughly 120 young attendees.

“Animal Tales was the most popular show that we had Tuesday,” Deal recalled. “We had a zoo come from Pensacola, Fla., and they brought some exotic animals with nearly 120 kids for that event, so a huge turnout.”

Behind it all is a simple but powerful mission: to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial barriers.

“Our number one mission here at the library is community outreach; we want to reach as many kids as possible, and everything that we offer is completely free,” said Deal. “If some kids cannot afford to attend a paid summer camp, we want to provide all children the opportunity to come hang out with us and have fun.”

Upcoming events for children ages 4–5 will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the following dates: Paint the Rainbow on June 23, Doc Magic on June 30 and the Play-Doh Play Date on July 7. 

For children ages 6–11, the Tie-Dye Factory Workshop will be held on June 24 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. On July 1, there will be a Slime Time program with sessions from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., but both sessions are currently full. Paint Palooza on July 8 will also have two sessions—2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.—and is currently full as well.

To find out more details and to register for these programs, contact Troy Public Library at 334-566-1314.