June 10, 2011 at 7:15 a.m.
Kent Ogle: We have the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Summer Reading Program kicking off tomorrow with a big blowout, reading and rock and roll, you can’t beat that. Joining us this morning is Sammie Willis and Sheldon Moglia, glad to have you guys here, thanks for being here this morning.
Sammie Willis: Thanks for having us.
Ogle: Sheldon, first tell me exactly what’s going on tomorrow.
Sheldon Moglia: Well, we’re going to kick off our Summer Reading Program. We’ve got a party planned that’s going to kick off around 10 a.m.
Ogle: Okay
Moglia: We’re going to have some different events there. The theme this year is “One World, Many Stories,” so we’ve got different crafts and activities we’ve kind of themed them around different countries and we’re going to have some passports we’ll give the kids when they come in so they can get them stamped as they get to each activity station.
Ogle: Neat idea.
Moglia: We’re going to have the Zoo Mobile coming out for us.
Ogle: And that’s something that you guys got worked out through them through a grant. Is that what you were telling me?
Moglia: Yes, we applied for a grant and they agreed to come out for us, so they’re going to get there around 11 a.m.
Ogle: That sounds really great.
Moglia: And do a quick little show.
Ogle: And a little bit later you’re going to be having some music.
Willis: Yes, the Sugar Free All Stars, which is a wonderful band that got their start here in the state, but now they’re nationally known. They performed for us last year and they do this pro bono, which is a wonderful thing because they’re a great band and the families adored it last year. They rocked the library for sure! So they’re coming back and they’ll play.
Ogle: Well, that’s really exciting and you know I think it’s cool about the Zoo coming in because the kids will actually be able to touch the animals, right?
Willis: They’re going to bring zoo animals that the children can touch and feel and pet, and that’s really going to be awesome. And another exciting thing that we’re going to have is there is a local woman in our city, Roberta Flynn, and she is the handler for one of only two blind therapy dogs in our whole country.
Ogle: Really?
Willis: And Gracie is a Siberian Husky. Gracie works regularly at the Belle Isle Library
Ogle: Okay.
Willis: In the Read to Dogs program that the kids do and Gracie goes to hospitals and so when the article about our program appeared in the paper, Roberta called and offered to bring Gracie.
Ogle: Well, how great.
Willis: Because she thought Gracie’s story would be one that the children would really like.
Ogle: Well, let’s tell folks about the event. Let’s give you a little more information, tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 300 N.E. 18th Street. You can go to library.state.ok.us and of course, we’ll have a link on our website for the Summer Reading Kickoff. Guys, thank you for being here, Sheldon and Sammie.
Willis: Thank you for having us.