Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales

This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is Tails and Tales, and will take place June 12-July 30. We did a virtual component through Page Turner Adventures, and the rest of our programs were in-person (or take home!).

The registration, book logging, and virtual activities were all done through Beanstack. Every child who registers is eligible to pick up a free t-shirt beginning June 12, while supplies last, at the participating branches. This year, instead of books or minutes, reading is logged by day. Every day spent reading (no matter what amount) is logged on Beanstack. For prizes this year, at the end of the summer, every child who has logged any reading will get a Prize Bag. Additionally, everyone who registered through Beanstack for the Summer Reading Program is also eligible to win a grand prize. The grand prizes are Barnyard Lego Duplo sets and Lego Minecraft sets. A winner will be drawn from each branch (Lee, Belfry, Elkhorn) for the grand prizes. There is no prize for Most Books Read this year.

Once a week is Family Story Time, which is for children ages 2-8 and their caregivers. It will include 1-2 stories read aloud, craft, activities, refreshments, and (some weeks) character visits. There is also a weekly Family Movie Night, for all ages. All movies are animal-themed and some are interactive with props. Popcorn and drinks will be provided every week. And every Saturday is a Take Home Craft for all ages. Bags with instructions and all materials will be available for pick up at participating branches while supplies last.

Performers: We have a few special events during the Summer Reading Program: How to Milk a Cow, Petting Zoo, Smokey Bear Visit, Reading is Magic Show, Goldilocks and the Three Bears Marionette Puppet Show, The Science of Tales, and the Backyard Carnival. These are all in-person programs that will take place at Lee Avenue. We also have a virtual program of The Lego Guy that will be done through Zoom and live streamed to the library’s Facebook page. These special programs are highlighted in red on the calendar and more information on each can be found on the Facebook event page.

One of our librarians is doing a tween Book Club for ages 9-12. They will be reading Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez. It meets biweekly and includes activities based on the book.

To coincide with our Summer Reading theme, we are doing an Animal Shelter Donation Drive at each participating branch (Lee, Belfry, Elkhorn). Donations may include pet food, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies, etc. The first 100 children who make a donation will receive a stuffed animal.