Enjoy Summer Reading Fun for All Ages at the Library
May 27, 2011 — The library district’s fun-packed Summer Reading Program began May 21 and scores of children, teens and adults have already completed hours of reading to earn prizes and enter gift drawings. It’s our way of rewarding eager readers.
Every age is eligible to register at any branch library or the Mobile Library, the new bookmobile expected in June. The program runs through Aug. 6. It’s funded by Friends of the Library and Missouri State Library, and made possible through participation of more than 30 area businesses.
More than 10,000 children and teens participated in past summers, drawn by wacky music, magic and storytelling programs as well as incentives for reading (audiobooks count, too!).
It’s a program parents and teachers can believe in. Studies show children and teens who continue reading over the summer don’t experience the loss of reading skills that non-readers do. They return to school in the fall with the same or improved skills. Babies and preschoolers who are read to early learn to read more easily, studies show.
The children’s theme, “One World, Many Stories,” celebrates different cultures and diversity. Kids who register pick up an official game board. By reading and completing the suggested activities, they earn a book, coloring stickers, a fine waiver card and a Food ‘n’ Fun Flipcard for free treats and free or discounted admission to area attractions.
Teens in “You Are Here” can register online and post book reviews at thelibrary.org/youarehere. They earn a fine waiver card and Flipcard, and can enter drawings for more prizes including an iPod Nano.
Adults in “Novel Destinations” can enter reading slips for prizes and drawings through summer, and write book reviews on coolcat.org. The adult program is sponsored by the Between Friends Gift Shops.
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The last in a series of the library’s successful e-reader download trainings will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, in the Library Center auditorium. There is no charge or registration.
A library staff member will discuss how to download library e-books and more on your e-reader using OverDrive software on thelibrary.org. (The class does not cover the Amazon Kindle.)