June 17, 2019 – Leonardtown, Md. – The St. Mary’s County Library invites all ages to participate in ‘A Universe of Stories’ Summer Reading program from June 17 through August 17. Everyone, from zero to 150 years old is welcome to complete challenges to be entered to win Amazon gift cards.
Complete 5 activities to finish the first challenge and come into any St. Mary’s County Library to pick up a free glow-in-the-dark t-shirt (sizes from baby onesies all the way up to adult XXXXL). Complete the second, third and fourth challenges to receive a free book of your choosing for each challenge. Each finished challenge will get you an entry into the Library’s end-of-summer Amazon gift card drawings.
20 activities give variety and allow you to choose how stimulating to make the summer reading program. Activities can be repeated and are appropriate for all ages from a baby with a parent reader to children, teens and adults. Examples of activities include: read a nonfiction book, listen to an audiobook, attend a Library event, read a book that is part of a series, and read a graphic novel or comic book.
The Library is once again using the Beanstack app to track Summer Reading, available for both Android and Apple devices. If you do not have access to a device, ask for a paper gameboard at the Library.
“Summer reading is great for babies, kids, and teens at every age.” said Jill Hutchison, Youth Services Coordinator for St. Mary’s County Library. “For babies and young children, reading with family members is a way to bond, build their vocabulary, and start a lifetime love of books. For older kids and teens on summer break, it’s a chance to read for fun, challenge themselves, and choose books they love without worrying about reading levels or homework. When adults join Summer Reading, it shows kids that grown-ups value reading too, and makes it into a family activity. We’ve designed our Summer Reading challenges to be fit any age and reading skill, and encourage readers to branch out and try new things while still having plenty of choices. There’s something for everyone.”
“Summer vacations are a great time for reading.” said Michael Blackwell, St. Mary’s County Library Director. “The library has a wide selection of beach reads, thrillers, and mysteries, perfect for a lazy summer’s day. Express best sellers are waiting for you in all our branches. If you need to travel light or have a drive to your destination, check out the library’s collection of e-books and digital audiobooks. You can get dozens of titles on a tablet or smart phone for when you get there and even listen in your car on the way. Enter our program and win!”
According to the American Library Association, the benefits to readers in a summer reading programs include: encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit; reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities; reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up; and the program can generate interest in the library and books. It being summer, the program is also just good fun and provides an opportunity for family time.