Saline Reads
Introducing the biggest book club in Saline County!
Why read a book alone when you can read it with so many friends? We’re proud to announce the new Saline Reads program. We’ll have daily videos on Facebook and YouTube reading with your favorite librarians and staff in Benton, Bryant, and East End! Tune in on our social media every weekday from October 1 – 21 at 7:00 PM for the latest section. And track your progress through the book by picking up a tracker at your nearest Saline County Library branch! Those who complete the book get special coupons for local businesses (while supplies last). You’ll have until October 31 to finish the story with us. Don’t worry if you don’t finish up on October 21!
What book is Saline Reads reading in October 2025?
“A Rover’s Story” is an awesome juvenile fiction novel about a Mars rover named Resillience, or Res, who begins to experience human emotions. With the help of his friend Fly (another rover) they explore Mars together and face the dangers of the planet. It’s about friendship, discovery, and finding your purpose in the world. We think it’s a perfect book to read together because everyone can find something to enjoy in it, and it’s great for families.
Who can participate in Saline Reads?
Everyone! That means… you! All ages are welcome to tune in and read the selected book with us, at your own pace.
Do you have enough books for everyone?
We sure hope so! We have many physical copies of “A Rovers Story” to check out. If you can’t find one at your local Saline County Library branch, you can also check out a digital ebook or audiobook on either Hoopla or Libby for free with your library card.
What other Fun Stuff is happening?
SO MUCH!!!
We will have space themed storytimes, and there will be space themed lessons in our homeschool programs!
Want to chat about the book as we are reading through it? Stop by the Benton or Bryant branch for one of our scheduled Craft & Chat sessions, where we’ll make space-themed crafts and talk about the latest chapters with Res and Fly!
On October 1, we’ll have a Family Craft Night to decorate pumpkins! The library will provide free pumpkins to decorate – while supplies last. Paint, bedazzle, and glitter your pumpkin, and then submit it into our pumpkin contest. Or, turn it into an awesome spaceship! Winners announced on October 27.
As it gets colder this fall, you should check out our amazing new storywalk, themed for our Saline Reads book selection. The storywalk is placed around the county courthouse in Benton!
Not to mention we’ve got a stellar Trunk or Treat on October 25 at the Benton branch parking lot from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Whether you have been following along to “A Rover’s Story” or not, come on down in your best Halloween outfits (bonus points if you are an astronaut, alien, or other spacefaring adventurer!) Play yard games and collect Halloween candy with us at the library. We can’t wait to see you!
Don’t have a costume this year? No sweat! Check out our Costume Closet, opening October 1st, to find a free Halloween costume! (Costumes limited, while supplies last.)
AND, then we’ll get a chance to talk to Jasmine Warga, the author of “A Rover’s Story!” All library branches will have her telecast on Zoom on Wednesday, October 29 at 10:30 AM. So after you read the book, think of some questions you might want to ask about space, writing, or about Res!