Library kicks off summer reading program next week
The Daviess County Public Library is encouraging residents to “Read, Roar, and Explore!” with its summer reading program that runs from May 29 to July 31.
While the program is largely geared toward children and teenagers, there is also an adult component, with prizes available to be claimed by all groups for meeting reading benchmarks.
The program will have a kickoff party from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, with children and teenagers receiving a free prize book and other activities planned.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to focus on reading skills over the summer,” said Taryn Norris, DCPL’s children’s librarian. “We really want to emphasize literacy, and we also want to provide fun programs. We want to help parents and families to be able to continue reading and doing fun things over the summer.
“Studies have shown that kids that participate in summer reading programs, either through public libraries or sometimes schools programs, those kids are much less likely to suffer from the summer slide. We want to encourage more participation by providing incentives for reading each week, and reading at the end. We also create an environment where it’s fun to come.”
There is also a chance for those ages 18 and under to win money through the KY Saves 529 Sweepstakes, which will randomly award $529 KY Saves savings accounts that are funded by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Any child who participates in a public library summer reading program is eligible to be entered by parents, grandparents or guardians at kysaves.com/adventure.
“It’s really easy; I signed my son up for it,” Norris said. “You fill out some basic questions, then you’re contacted if you’re a winner.”
The library will also award weekly prizes, with children getting a prize from the prize box, teenagers getting a summer-themed goody bag and adults winning a $25 Amazon gift card.
The library will hold a themed program for children every Wednesday in June and July, with the exception of June 19, when the library is closed in recognition of Juneteenth. Children will be able to pick up their summer reading packets on Monday of that week.
Some of the more anticipated Wednesday events are a Carnival Party featuring Wild Child Inflatables, a foam factory, and on July 31, Dinosaur Encounter will visit the library. Dinosaur Encounter requires pre-registration, as do many of the Wednesday events.
“Feller Express out of Evansville will bring life-sized dinosaurs that kids will get to meet and take pictures with,” Norris said, “and then they’ll also do an educational program about dinosaurs and the jurassic period.”
There will be events for teenagers each Tuesday and Thursday. Registration is not required.
There is no charge for any of the summer reading events and all supplies for craft projects will be provided.
Baby/Toddler Storytime, Preschool Storytime and Family Storytime will continue as normally scheduled through the summer.
For more information about the summer reading program, contact the library at dcplibrary.org or call 270-684-0211.
