Well, the 2026 Summer Reading program is definitely one for the books, wrapping up the season with a total of 3,187 books read between 40 young readers, an impressive increase in recent years.
Before awards and prizes were handed out to these dedicated readers, the beloved Buckaroo Bart graced the audience with his educational storytelling, humor, and a few impressive rope tricks.
“Buckaroo“ Bart Taylor is an award-winning author and historian, visiting countless libraries, schools, and event venues to help share the legacy of Will Rogers, one of America’s most beloved and talented performers through reading and roping.
Bart serves as the Will Rogers Interpreter and Creative Curator at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, preserving history in such a way that not only are the kids having fun, but they’re learning something they won’t soon forget. He has written three books: Will Rogers and the Great White House Sleepover, Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals, and the most recent, Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration, all highlighting the life and impact that Will had on American history as a whole. These books can be found at the Lovett Memorial Library, so be sure to check them out!
After performing a few rope tricks, one of which included a few brave kiddos who volunteered to stand in the middle of Bart’s spinning rope, he read his newest book, ending with a piece of advice we should all live by.
“Will always looked at every person he met and tried to find the things they had in common. He could have just been Mr. Celebrity and Mr. Cool, but no. It was about using his God-given talents to create connections and bring people together, to strengthen our country. That was his mission. Today that’s what we need more of, and I think Will can inspire everybody in this room to be a little more kind. We’re all in the same boat together, so let’s move forward together.”
Bart then took everybody outside so he could perform bigger tricks with bigger ropes, and when everybody headed back in, it was the kids’ turn to try, and I will say that there were a few future ropers in that room!
Among the several goodies that Bart brought for the kiddos, one was a booklet for a child to complete and turn in to become an official Junior Roper, which would grant them their own rope and badge upon completion.
This was the second year the Lovett Memorial Library featured Buckaroo Bart, and each time he has brought an enormous amount of enthusiasm, energy, and inspiration, potentially making his presence a yearly and highly-anticipated tradition for our beloved library.
Congratulations to the Lovett Memorial Library for holding yet another successful Summer Reading Program, and congratulations and job well done to all of our readers who took time out of their summer days to read, learn and grow!
