Public Libraries of Lancaster County and the Bookmobile will be presenting, this year’s Summer Reading Program starting on June 3rd. Readers of all ages invited to READ all things related to this year’s theme as local public libraries present “Build a Better World!” during this year’s summer reading program.
The library is the perfect place for children and families to become empowered to build a better world! This summer’s theme makes use of the universal appeal of creating, re-purposing, and building. Through books, games, and many hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities, participants will discover new ways of looking at the world around them. They will have the opportunity to challenge themselves, try new things, and work together to make positive change in the world. Activities may include costume creation, group games, physical challenges, art projects, science and engineering experiments, and more! For each of the age groups the public libraries will offer special stories, events, music, and hands-on learning centered on Building a Better World theme.
The countywide reading program begins June 3 and will run until August 12, 2017. Youth may join anytime during this time period. The Summer Reading Library program supports Pennsylvania Academic Standards & PA Early Learning Standards.
The 2017 countywide Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens of all ages. Program components include four reading levels: Read Aloud (birth-4 years), Elementary (ages 5-9), Tween (ages 10-12) and the Teen level (ages 13-19).
Last year 23,902 youth of all ages participated in the countywide Summer Reading Program, while the public libraries offered 1,303 events where 31,377 youth and their families attended!
Teens are welcome to come to the Library and read for prizes as well as to take part in special events offered throughout the summer. Participation of teens in the summer reading program will enhance their literacy and comprehension skills and provide great entertainment.
Educational studies have shown that the summer reading program has positive effects on students in that voluntary reading correlates with high levels of reading achievement, increased comprehension, and prevents a student’s academic ‘summer slide’.
Here are some additional benefits having students enroll in the summer reading program:
- Young children will gain self-confidence and a love for reading, books, and the library
- The groundwork will be laid for children to become lifelong readers and learners
- Entire families will have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate summer reading events
- Completion of the program will give children a sense of accomplishment and belonging
- Parents and caregivers will gain knowledge about early literacy and learning activities at the library that they can continue at home
- The library may become a community destination for more families during the summer
Nurturing basic literacy skills is one of the goals of PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association. Research shows that a child’s library use raises his or her fourth grade assessment scores. Help us to spark learning in all of our children this summer by supporting and participating in the Summer Library Program.
2017 Summer Entertainment & Educational Events
at Local Public Libraries
The PRINCESS of Dutch Wonderland Hear Ye, Hear Ye! We are extending an invitation to all Princesses, Princes, Lords and Ladies to attend a royal reading story times! (Ages 3+) Events run from June 9 through July 18.
“Biome Builders” with Jess Rothacker – Jesse returns to feature an interactive animal show featuring Jesse Rothacker and his lovable lizards, turtles, alligators, and snakes. A biome is a large area of the earth that is home to many plants and animals. Children at this show will discover how each animal is equipped to build a better world within their biome. Every child, as a participant in the program, will be empowered to use their own talents and abilities to build a better world within their homes, schools, and communities, and to unleash their abilities through the power of reading! These events run from July 6 through August 3.
Bricks 4 Kidz®! – These programs provide an atmosphere for students to build unique creations, play games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® bricks! Programs designed around proprietary model plans, designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes such as space, construction, and amusement parks, will inspire children. Specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz® approach to educational play. At Bricks 4 Kidz®, the presenters believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity. (First event is June 12.)
Dinosaur Dig with Field Paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka – Field Paleontologist team—Mike and Roberta Straka — will present their “Dino Dig” program at public libraries this summer! Their fun-filled show will cover the formation of fossils, herbivores vs. carnivores, basics of geology (rocks and minerals). The team will discuss their work as field paleontologists and background in geology. There will be an interactive fossil talk to ready the Junior Paleontologists to go on their dig! This “hands-on” program is special because everyone will handle real dinosaur fossil bones – not plastic. Construct a dinosaur dig site right in the library! Dinosaur Dig programs begin on June 19 and run until August 2.
Giggle Magic! Marcy Klutchka presents show that will captivate young audiences within seconds, children are giggling, engaged, and off on a journey comprised of age-appropriate magic, puppets and slapstick comedy. Then it is time to get up and move to a Kidz-Rock Dance Party! Giggle + Magic = Awesome Entertainment! She offers one of the following programs at public libraries: Silly Safari; Farmyard Fun; and Yum Yum Veggies. Events run from June 8 through August 8.
Ryan Bridge “The BugMan” This program will focus on the ways insects improve our planet. Clean water, pollination, food for animals and even their unusual defense strategies… This program will offer everyone a close look into the world of insects using incredible displays and lots of neat facts about insects and their related friends. Also expect LIVE Bugs as always! The audience will have a chance to pet harmless, LIVE bugs (or related critters) and get answers to whatever questions they might have. Events run from June 19 through July 5.
Elephant & Piggie Costume Character Visits Lancaster County public libraries will welcome “Elephant and Piggie”, costume characters from the popular picture book series by Mo Willems. These visits will begin on June 10 through July 27.
Lancaster County Environmental Center Programs Enjoy and explore any of these programs at one or more of the local libraries:
Animal Architecture (First program starts June 15); The Lorax (First program starts July 17); Spiders and their webs (August 2); Alternative Energy: Hydro Cars (First program starts June 15); Build a Better Environment with the 3 R’s: Recycled Craft Fun (First program starts June 13); Alternative Energy: Catch the Wind (First program starts June 27).
CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health
Hank the Health Hero is a champion of healthy choices who inspires Lancaster children to adopt healthy habits. Hank the Health Hero programs at Public Libraries target two different age groups: Hank’s Health Quest is designed for children ages 3-8, while Sink Your Teeth into Science is for children ages 8-11. These events run from May 17 through August 10.
Cylo Visits! Cylo, the Lancaster Barnstormer’s mascot, swings into action this summer at public libraries in Lancaster County! Libraries will offer baseball-related story times and activities when this lovable, local celebrity visits! These visits begin on June 5 and run until August 9.
Local Sponsor Support
In addition to the Library System’s support, this year’s literacy-minded Summer Reading Program Sponsors include: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn, Bounce Kraze, Cain’s Lanes, The Castle Roller Skating; Clearview Lanes, The Comic Store, Comics and Paperbacks Plus, Dutch Wonderland ~ It’s Family Time!, Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches, Lancaster Barnstormers, Lancaster Cupcake, Lancaster Ice Rink, Laserdome, Leisure Bowling & Golf Center, M&T Bank, McDonald’s Restaurants, Refreshing Mountain Ziplines; Rita’s Ices, Rocky Spring Entertainment Center, Scratch Bakes, Sequential Arts Too, Sky Zone Trampoline Park; Strasburg Rail Road Company, Stoudt Advisors, Sugar Whipped Bakery, and Water’s Edge Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Shop.
Please contact library listed to register for program.
Here is a listing of local libraries
Find out more about the Summer Reading Program!
Printed event booklets will be available for pick up at your local library or bookmobile by May 22. Contact your local public library for more information about these summertime happenings! The countywide public library summer reading program is supported in part by the Library System of Lancaster County.
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Silly Safari: Put on your safari hats, adjust your binoculars, and get ready to go on a Silly Safari! Oh, my- has Debra the Zebra lost her stripes? Will Ellie the Elephant’s disappearing act be good enough to get her on America’s Got Talent? There goes Gerry the Giraffe; he is standing on his head…again! Have the animals GONE WILD?
Yum Yum Veggies: Little Miss Muffet and Bakery Bear encourage preschoolers to choose healthy food and drinks. So Much Yummy Fun!
About the Presenter… Marcy Klutchka takes the business of fun, seriously! She is a graduate of Penn State University and the creator of Giggle Magic – themed variety shows that engage, empower, educate and entertain young audiences. Marcy has been generating giggles since 1999—and she is happy to be bringing Giggle Magic to Lancaster County!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The PRINCESS of Dutch Wonderland will present special story times at public libraries throughout Lancaster County during June and July. Join all the lords, ladies, princesses and princes of Lancaster at local public libraries to hear the PRINCESS read her favorite stories!
The Quarryville Library is pleased to announce that the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded the Library a $2,212.00 grant to support summer literacy. This local grant award is part of more than $7.5 million in grants awarded to nearly 900 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the 44 states that Dollar General serves.
Thanks to Joe Miller, owner of The Comic Store, teens and tweens at public libraries in Lancaster County have received free comic books since 2005. Last year The Comic Store collected over $1300.00 for the local libraries. Each customer who visits the store receives one free comic book. For each additional copy, we request that a donation of 50 cents is collected at the register. All of the donated money will be used to buy graphic novels and books for the Lancaster County libraries.