Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

The Summer Reading Program kicked off on Tuesday afternoon in style—medieval style, that is. Warriors gave it their all, fighting for the best ‘rock’ band, while the young audience rooted for their favorite to emerge victorious.

The Copperas Cove Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program had its official kick-off with a special demonstration by the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA.

After the medieval demonstration, the children were given balloon swords and invited to decorate and customize their own cardboard shields and paper helms. The children were then able to engage in balloon swordplay of their own.

Misty Rackley brought her son, Robbie Rackley (3) to watch the show.

“It was great. All the kids really enjoyed it. I know he really enjoyed it…I don’t know if you heard him, but he kept shouting, ‘Get him, get him!’,” said Rackley. “We did [the Summer Reading Program] last year and he was always wanting to read because of it.”

The demonstration began with the younger SCA members squaring off before the adults took their turns. After the initial bout of combat, library director Kevin Marsh called up members of the Five Hills Royalty.

At that time, Little Mister Five Hills Matthew Grooms presented a check for $104 to the Friends of the Library. Four members of the royalty then chose their favorite ‘rock’ bands, and four members of the SCA fought on their behalf to determine the ‘best’ band. Marsh, also a member of the SCA, represented AC/DC and ultimately emerged victorious.

The SCA is a medieval group that recreates all the most enjoyable aspects of the Middle Ages. In addition to armored combat, they also have activities including weaving, scribal arts, blacksmithing, and more.

“We dress up in medieval clothes and we fight, and we feast, and we do all the fun things that were done in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We leave all the boring stuff out—no plague, no nasty wars, just fun wars,” said Marsh, describing the SCA to the young audience.

Members of the audience were excited to watch the clash and bang of the fighters, and even more excited to make their very own shields and engage in their own mock combat.

“It was completely excellent as always. Hayley always loves coming,” said Amanda Sawyer who brought Hayley Sawyer (7) to the event. “I think it’s a great success every year.”

Hayley Sawyer said that the medieval show is her favorite show in the whole Summer Reading Program and that she enjoyed watching them battle over which band was the best.

Library director Kevin Marsh said that he expects this year’s Summer Reading Program will be a big success. The animal shows are always well populated, and he advises those who want to attend to arrive first thing in the morning to ensure that they will be able to attend. Many of those shows have two or three available slots, so they shouldn’t have to turn anyone away.

“We’re going to have a great time this summer,” said Marsh. “We have lots of fun programs planned, some big shows and some little activities.”

Next week’s schedule will include African Safari with Elizabeth Kahura on Monday at 2 p.m and 6 p.m., learning CPR and healthy habits (for ages 5-11) on Tuesday at 2 p.m., and building robots and drones (for ages 11-15) on Wednesday.

All of the Summer Reading Program events are free and open to the public.