Adventure begins at your local library
May 9—The Jacksonville Public Library invites children and adults to register and participate in this year's summer reading program, "Adventure Begins at Your Library," June 10 through July 17.
"We will always have a Summer Reading Program to promote a love of reading and to help parents fight the summer slump that kids may have over the summer break," Library Director Trina Stidham said.
Participants will discover adventure through a variety of games, art projects and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities. Movie matinees are planned for Mondays. Of course, there are plenty of books and one can choose familiar reads or explore new genres. Lunch will also be provided Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the program.
To participate, simply register at the library and receive a reading log. Adults can pick up a summer reading packet full of activities, for which they too can become eligible for prizes. These packets will be made available during the first week of the summer program.
The schedule of activities includes:
Monday — 2 p.m. movie matinees
Tuesday
—10:30 a.m. — second through fifth grade
—11:30 a.m. — lunch
—1:30 p.m. — teens
Wednesday
—10:30 a.m. — 18 months through first grade
—11:30 a.m. — lunch
—1:30 p.m. — all ages activity
Summer reading program participants may turn in their reading logs during their scheduled activity time. For each completed log, readers will earn book bucks, which can be used to buy items from the Summer Reading Store. Or, if they choose, may receive a food coupon donated by a local restaurant. Anyone who is unable to attend the planned activities can sign up to become an independent reader to participate in the summer program rewards.
"Summer Reading challenges readers without them realizing that they are being challenged," Stidham said. "If you want to improve your reading skills the easiest way is to just read."
Whether one is an avid reader or is reluctant to read, it's worth checking out the summer reading program at the Jacksonville library.
"Some of our grand prize winners hated reading before they came to the Summer Reading Program at the library," Stidham said.
Businesses and individuals who would like to donate to help fund the summer reading program may call 903-586-7664 for donations by credit or debit card; stop by the library with their donation, or send a check to 526 E. Commerce St., Jacksonville, Texas 75766.
Stidham reminds the public that the library will help patrons find the types of items they want to read: whether books, magazines, DVDs with subtitles, newspapers, graphic novels, audio-books on Playaway or CD, E-Books or E-Audiobooks.
Here are some additional facts about the library that might not be well-known.
—Specific classes can be requested and the library will attempt to find a teacher and conduct the class.
—All programs and classes at the library are free to the public.
—The library offers free book club kits to be used to start one's own book club.
—One can request an item not found at the library be purchased by the library or borrowed through an inter-library loan.
—The library hosts a monthly family movie night and provides dinner.
—The library now has a PG-13 (or R) movie event at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mondays, with popcorn and drinks provided.
For information about the programs offered by the Jacksonville Public Library, visit jacksonvilletx.org/799/Jacksonville-Public-Library, follow the library on Facebook or call 903-586-7664.
