In May, the Opp Public Library hired new Children’s Librarian Kourtnee Bradley, who will be leading the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Bradley, a longtime Opp resident and an Opp High graduate, previously worked for a daycare in Opp. She also worked in Opp Elementary School’s computer lab for the past year.

“I’ve always been around kids and loved being around and working with them,” Bradley said. “I thought this would be a career that I could be around children and interact with them and be able to have a positive impact on their lives.”

Bradley’s hiring comes as the library is gearing up for its Summer Reading Program, which will kickoff June 29 with a special appearance from the Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary.

“It was a little crazy at first, with getting ready for everything, but with the help of (Library Director) Courtney (Smart) it’s been great,” she said. “We’re going to kick off with all kinds of birds and small animals here from the wildlife sanctuary, and the reading program goes from July 10-14.”

Bradley said that kids involved in the reading program will have the opportunity to create arts and crafts, have costume contests and most importantly, read. There will also be a number of special events and presentations.

“In school they’re going to read but we want to help them keep reading and motivated to do so during the summer, too,” she said. “It’s important for them to read all year long.”

Bradley hopes to make reading fun for kids so that they stay motivated to read year round.

“It’s really important to keep kids motivated about reading,” she said. “I just hope to be able to do that and maybe inspire the kids.”

For more information on the library’s Summer Reading Program, visit www.facebook.com/opplibrary.