Summer Reading kicks off with ‘Sign-Up Bubble Bop’

Knox County Public Library kicked off its Summer Reading Event on Thursday with the “Summer Reading Sign-Up Bubble Bop.” The theme for the 2025 summer reading program is “Color Our World,” encouraging participants to explore creativity and art.

The two-hour event, which began at 5:30 p.m., featured bubble machines that produced large, continuous streams of bubbles. The wind carried the bubbles in all directions, prompting delighted children to chase them around the library’s back lot.

Children of various ages, including participants as young as 1 year old, enjoyed dancing in the bubbles to the DJ’s selection of Top 100 hits. Regular library visitor Kayla Diamond attended with her three children, including 1-year-old Cora, who playfully ran through the bubbles while her 4-year-old brother, Kaden, showcased some energetic dance moves. Their 7-year-old brother, Koda, watched and contemplated joining in.

As more families arrived, the celebration expanded. Children brought bubble wands and bubble guns to create their own bubbles and to playfully shoot them at their parents.

Inside the library, attendees received free rubber bracelets with holes for charms. Those who signed up for the summer reading event could choose a free Jibbit charm—often used to decorate Crocs—to add to their bracelets.

Lana Messer Hale, Director of Knox County Public Library, announced that weekly reading events and Treat Bags would be available until August. Participants who return each week can collect additional free bracelet charms.

The library provided free hotdogs and a variety of drinks for attendees. Hale noted that the Summer Reading program has been a staple for many years, calling it “one of our biggest hits.” She encouraged everyone to call the library at 606-546-5339, extension one, to learn more about the summer reading offerings, which are available for all ages.