CHILDREN AND TEEN PROGRAMS |
Innovative pathways into critical thinking, discovery, and knowledge that inspires learning in children and teens
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INFANT AND TODDLER TIME
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Through singing, talking, playing, and reading, infants and toddlers acquire literacy skills in a fun-filled learning environment which leads to children who both enjoy reading and read more. The program provides a supportive network to parents and caregivers where they connect to other families and form community bonds. The program provides families with a book each month and strategies on how to share the book with their little ones based on age. The books and literacy strategies help families increase literacy skills and build interest in reading.
AGES: 0-4 years (older siblings are welcome to attend) SCHEDULE: Tuesdays at 10:00 am View Virtual Infant and Toddler Programs |
BOOKS FOR BABIES
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“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents”, Emily Buchwald. Recognizing that parents and caregivers are a child’s first teacher, the Books for Babies Program equips families to promote early literacy by providing a set of books and activities to every newborn in Marathon.
Our Books for Babies program provides a set of books to every family in our community with a newborn. In addition to providing materials, we teach families ways to connect with their little one while promoting literacy. Themed packets include a set of books, a story-related puppet, a small musical instrument, and informational handouts that focus on techniques to promote literacy such as age-appropriate ways to share a book with a child, story-related songs, and simple everyday activities that the family can focus on to increase literacy with their little one. |
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
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A book gifting program that mails a book every month to children under the age of five. Marathon Public Library serves as the community affiliate for Marathon and covers the cost of shipping and books.
If you have a loved one under the age of five that lives in the zip code 79842 (mailing address) you are eligible to register your loved one to receive a free book each month. AGES: 0-4 REGISTER FOR IMAGINATION LIBRARY |
SUMMER ART PROGRAM
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From loom weaving to creating a clay coil pot, our children’s Summer Art Program is a 10 week series for ages 5-18 with sessions on weaving, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and painting. Secondary students (grades 6th-12th) at Marathon ISD do not have art classes. This program fills that gap and allows students to further develop their skills and talent.
AGES: 4-18 SCHEDULE: Stay tuned for Summer 2024 schedule View Virtual Art Programs |
CAMP CURIOSITY
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From 3D printing to coding with robots, this week-long camp will have STEM-focused learning sessions with literature connections.
SCHEDULE: Stay tuned for Summer 2024 schedule AGES: kids who finished grades PreK-12th LOCATION: Marathon Community Center |
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
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Fighting the summer slide! As children gather around to hear stories of animals, inquire about subjects, and answer questions, they engage in thought-provoking activities that stimulate curiosity and encourage learning.
Our Summer Reading Program provides weekly learning opportunities to children ages 4 to 13 though storytime, imaginative play, skill-building activities, and most importantly – books! The 2023 theme is "All Together Now” with a focus on kindness, friendship, and unity developed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program. Our Summer Reading Program addresses the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. Access to books is critical – reading just 4 to 6 books over the summer has the potential to prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from the spring to the fall (Colorado Department of Education). As part of this program, we supply all students and teachers at MISD with their needed school supplies for the year to help ensure that all student have a strong foundation for a successful school year and to ease the back-to-school financial burden on local families and staff. AGES: 4-12 SCHEDULE: Summer 2023 Schedule |
MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATRE
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With makeup applied, costumes on, and butterflies in their nervous bellies, Marathon students become stars as they take the stage to perform “The Emperor’s New Clothes” presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre. In just one week, students have auditioned, rehearsed, and participated in acting workshops in preparation for the big community performance. Even shy and reluctant children break those barriers as they take on the role of their characters while building critical life skills – teamwork, confidence, and effective communication.
Marathon ISD does not offer theatre classes, this program allows the children in our community to experience performing arts. AGES: 5-18 SCHEDULE: 2023 Fall Community Performance is December 15 at 5:30 |
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
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Children explore, create, and play while participating in fun, learning activities. Our AfterSchool Programs meet three times a week and provides PreK-8th grade students with weekly learning experiences in a variety of STREAM subjects.
AGES: 4-9 Schedule: Mondays - 3:30 to 5:00 - grades PreK-1st Wednesdays - 3:30 to 5:00 - grades 2nd and 3rd Fridays - 3:30 to 5:00 - 4th and 5th |
YOU AND ME, INTERGENERATIONAL ART
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Come create with us. This new program takes a "mommy and me" approach to art, letting children create with their parent/guardian. The class will feature a variety of projects - like painting, clay, and weaving.
SCHEDULE: Stay tuned for Summer 2024 schedule AGES: PreK and up (child with adult) LOCATION: Marathon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall |
MARATHON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOOK CART
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Smiles filled the faces of the students as they walked into the room, it was “Book Cart Day”! The Library Director, who the students lovingly called “Granny”, helped students select books about dragons, robots, and bugs. She handed the latest releases in book series to eager hands, and the students sat down to begin reading as they waited for their fellow students to complete their book selection.
Currently, Marathon ISD does not have a librarian and its book collection is dated. This program provides Marathon Elementary School students and teachers with library services and encourages children to read through a literary theme-based competition. AGES: 3-10 SCHEDULE: biweekly August-May |
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
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At our annual Christmas Open House, Santa visits the Library and brings each child a book. This community event includes story time, refreshments, and fun, holiday activities.
AGES: 0-18 SCHEDULE: first Friday in December |
FAMILY LITERACY NIGHTS
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Bringing schools, communities, and families together is a powerful combination to support summer reading. And that is just what our Summer Family Literacy Series aims to do because when parents are aware of the summer slide, both children and parents are more engaged in summer reading.
Through engaging, informative programs the Library staff connects with families and helps them learn how to support their child’s reading. Library staff will work together with Marathon ISD teachers to encourage kids to read, make reading fun, and to reach families about the importance of reading over the summer. Ages: Prek-5th with families Schedule: |
OUTDOOR LEARNING GARDEN
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From planting a small seed to harvesting vegetables and picking flowers, children and teens learn science concepts through outdoor, educational activity. Gardening engages all five senses, teaches patience and math skills, and creates the next generation of environmental stewards.
AGES: 3-18 SCHEDULE: activities incorporated into AfterSchool and Summer Reading programs |
OUTDOOR INSTRUMENT PARK
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Play with a purpose! Just like math, science, reading or writing, music and movement play an important role in a child’s development and have many benefits – developing small and large motor skills, learning to express emotions, and improving balance and coordination. When children take part in music and movement activities, it encourages fun, creativity, and dance. In a group setting, children develop and improve social skills learning to work as a team and share. Research shows that exposure to music improves children’s ability to learn by improving children’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and expressive ability. Our Music and Movement Program takes a whole-child approach integrating physical, cognitive, social, and emotional learning elements. Activities in our Outdoor Music Park are incorporated into Infant and Toddler Time, AfterSchool, and Summer Reading Programs. Ages: 0-18 Schedule: activities incorporated into Infant and Toddler Time, AfterSchool, and Summer Reading Programs. |
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ADULT PROGRAMS
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Engaging programs that create enriching, educational opportunities for residents and visitors
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ADULT BOOK CLUB
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The Adult Book Club program shares a variety of genres – from nonfiction focusing on wildlife conservation to science fiction with battling kingdoms – to broaden readers’ literary experiences.
DETAILS: Contact staff at marathonpubliclibrary@gmail.com for program schedule |
MARATHON HISTORY NIGHTS
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We have taken an active role in the telling and preserving of Marathon’s history. The Marathon Public Library is located adjacent to the Marathon Museum, which was the first school house in Buchel-Brewster County. The Marathon Museum Society is no longer active, and the library has taken on the role of providing visitors access to the building.
Our Marathon History Night is a program in which Marathon locals give a talk about their life and experiences in west Texas. Each talk is recorded to archive and share the history of Marathon. |
SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES
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From talks by an archeologist focusing on local, historic Native Americans to discussion with local artists, our Speakers Bureau Series seeks to provide engaging, informative experiences.
SCHEDULE: Summer 2023 Schedule |
ADULT TECH CONNECT
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Have a question about your phone, tablet, or laptop? Bring your device and get help from tech experts. They can show you how to send pictures, check email, take pictures, and other help.
SCHEDULE: We just wrapped up our summer programs, stay tuned for 2023 fall dates |
ADULT ART CLASSES
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From weaving to painting with watercolors, our Adult Art Classes serve as a creative outlet and a way to escape the stress and rush of everyday.
SCHEDULE: Stay tuned for Summer 2024 schedule |
FAMILY PLACE LIBRARIES
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Marathon Public Library is one of four libraries selected by Texas State Library and Archives Commission to participate in a pilot program to bring Family Place Libraries (FPL) to rural communities. FPL embraces the fact that literacy begins at birth, and libraries can help build healthy communities by promoting healthy families. FPL transforms libraries into community centers for early literacy and learning; parent education and engagement; family support; and community connectivity which helps to ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn.
AGES: 0-3 SCHEDULE: Stay tuned for Fall 2023 schedule |