When Hammond resident Carmen Perez and her three children planned a recent day trip, they knew two of their stops would be the Hammond Public Library and a local park playground.

The family members were surprised — and very pleased — that they were able to combine both when they stopped in at Columbia Park.

“We were driving by and saw a large group, wondering what was going on,” Perez said. “What we found were kids participating in the city’s Summer Recreation Program and also employees from the Hammond Public Library.”

The latter were there as part of the Librarians Around Town program, which sets up at Hammond parks every Friday throughout the summer.

“We want to stay visible in the community,” said librarian Aysha Haq, who coordinates the teen programs. “These visits (to the parks) give adults and children a chance to register for their library cards, as well as learn about the various programs we offer.”

On the particular Friday when Perez and her children stopped in, Hammond’s annual weekday summer activities schedule, which registered 25 kids ages 6-12 registered, just happened to coincide with the Librarians Around Town visit.

When Allison Piech, Hammond Public Library’s head of youth services, arrived and saw the children, she offered to read stories to the group.

After a few books and discussion, Piech headed back to the library’s tent to talk with parents and passers-by. Haq and fellow employee Teresa Blocker answered questions, passed out literature and registered those wanting to obtain library cards.

As Perez supplied Blocker with pertinent identification to get library cards for herself and her children, she also was given information about the current Summer Reading Program.

That program, which has the theme, Outer Space, continues through the summer, with prizes awarded at the conclusion.

“We definitely signed up for that one,” Perez said. “The kids are so excited to start it. It will be good for them.”

Each Friday, Librarians Around Town takes place at a different Hammond park.

The library’s van is loaded with a colorful tent, laptop computers, craft supplies and information pamphlets.

A grant submitted a few years ago provided for these materials to start up the program.

The three-hour Librarians About Town visits in the parks that began in June will continue through the summer at various parks. For more information, call 219-931-5100.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelancer.