Clarksville, TN – Christina Riedel, Director of the Montgomery County Public Library System, was thrilled to once again host Touch a Truck, an interactive event that attracts thousands and kicks off the library’s summer reading program.
“We have done this five or six years, and it keeps getting bigger,” Riedel said. “Last year, we had a little rain and still approached 5,000 guests. We always hope to beat last year.
“This is the kickoff of our summer reading program. The program has been expanded to include adults, seniors, tweens, and teens, so this year we have a lot more offerings across all age groups. Anyone interested can register online through our website www.clarksville.org.”
The parking lot was packed with displays set up by CPD, MCSO, Clarksville Fire Rescue, Clarksville Gas & Water, CDE, CEMC, as well as many local construction companies, non-profits, and for-profit businesses. Kids could get up close and personal with everything from a front-loader to a concrete truck, and for some reason, they all loved blowing the horns.
Food trucks were also on hand, providing snack and beverage opportunities for everyone.
“We’ve also learned to have a sensory room,” Riedel said. “We offer earplugs, too. We are a culture city certified, two of the first libraries in the state, so we can promote inclusion for all kinds of sensory needs for our people.
“I don’t know if its the noise or what, but the kids absolutely love coming out here. A lot of folks like the scavenger hunt, too. Our next big event is at the end of the summer, Summer Fest with outside games, face painting, etc. It’s a great family day to enjoy the end of summer. We also have our Sci-Fi Fest coming up.”
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