Public Libraries of Lancaster County and the Bookmobile will be presenting, this year’s Summer Reading Program starting on June 2nd. Readers of all ages invited to read all things related to this year’s theme as local public libraries present “Libraries Rock!” during their Summer Reading Program. The library is the perfect place for children and families to learn and explore this summer as the public libraries present activities and events related to youth literature, STEM, health & wellness, music, physical movement, the arts, and more!
Programming, materials, and activities for elementary-aged children should be a core part of every library’s offerings year-round. Traditionally, Summer Reading Programs are designed to encourage elementary-aged children to keep reading during summer vacation. Preventing the “summer slide” continues to be the main objective of Summer Reading Programs. For many families with elementary-aged children, the public library is the only community space available during the summer months where they can access free educational and cultural enrichment activities and programs.
The benefits of summer reading programming for children:
- Children are motivated to read.
- Children develop positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library.
- Children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation.
- Children have access to experiences that further their knowledge and sense of discovery.
- Children have access to experiences through which they can learn to work cooperatively.
The 2018 countywide reading program begins June 2 and will run until August 11, 2018. Youth may join anytime during this time period. The Summer Reading Library Program supports Pennsylvania Academic Standards & PA Early Learning Standards.
The 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).
In 2017 25,789 youth of all ages participated in the countywide reading program. 15,067 youth completed the program. 41,718 children and parents attended 1,474 summer learning events. Last year, the public libraries offered 1,474 events, where 41,718 where youth and their families attended; and 1,939 new library cards were issued to youth aged 5-19.
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’.
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.
2018 Summer Entertainment & Educational Events at Local Public Libraries
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!
(First event is June 2)
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+) (First event is on June 7)
Corduroy Costume Character Visits Lancaster County public libraries will welcome “Corduroy” popular costume character from picture books by Don Freeman. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this published children’s book! (First program is June 9)
Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation – Enjoy and explore any of these programs at one or more of the local libraries: Kindness Rocks (First program starts June 11); Tic Tac Toad (First program starts June 14); Make Some Noise! (First program starts June 18); Bats, Whales and Sound Waves (First program starts June 19); Owl Opera (First program starts June 20); Peter and the Wolf (First program starts June 27); Let It Rain (First program starts June 28); The Body’s Heat (First program starts July 12); Shake, Rock, and Roll: Earthquakes on Earth (First program starts July 19)
Programs run from June 11 through August 9
Heads Up Lancaster (with Jehovanny “Jeo” Ramos) will offer two different programs: “Basic Junkyard Drumming” or “Basic Break Dancing.” Tweens and teens (ages 8 and up) will enjoy learning the basics of rhythm using everyday objects to create a cohesive whole. This program focuses on active learning and participation and will showcase how with teamwork and cooperation, we can create something exciting! With the “Basic Breakdancing” program, students will learn about the basics of breakdancing through demonstration and participation. This program focuses on the importance of warming up, practicing, and stretching. Students should wear sneakers, and come prepared to move. Some discussion includes health & wellness, breakdance history, and personal growth through competition. (First program is June 12)
Rocks are a Blast from the Past presented by Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services. Participants will learn how rocks are formed, the difference between rocks and minerals, and how rocks create an earthquake. Samples of rocks, minerals and fossils will be used during the show. Includes a take-away Pennsylvania Fossil. (First program is June 15)
Mark DeRose, Children’s Musician will present a show that combines his love for the visual arts with his love for song writing. The songs and activities complement one another in an effort to communicate his message that encourages young listeners to embrace and enjoy life to its fullest, be creative individuals, and most importantly, confidently be themselves! (First program is June 18)
Science Matters, presented by Science Explorers (Erin Corvaia) Science Explorers will be taking a close look at the states of matter. We will explore with bubbles, a spud launcher, leaf blowers and basketball! We also explore Bernoulli and the different types of air pressure. It’s sure to be an experience for all ages! (First program is June 19)
Giggle Magic Marcy Klutchka to perform “Toolbox Kidz Show”. Audience: Pre-K through 1st graders (of course older siblings could attend). Get ready to laugh and giggle when Puppet, Chicken Patti, drives the show, with lots of eggs and more! The show is silly & fun—know how Kindness is the best tool in our tool belt! (First program is June 19)
“Swamp Songs & Marsh Melodies” presented by Center for Aquatic Sciences: Explore and hear animals that communicate through songs. Live critters – Horseshoe Crab, Amphibian, and maybe even an Owl. (First program is July 10)
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 will present two different programs: Story Time with Hank the Health Hero Puppet: Nutrition and Hank the Health Hero – Hank’s Quest: Feelings. (First program is July 10)
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 Restaurants, Lancaster Barnstormers, Lancaster Cupcake, Lancaster Ice Rink, Laserdome, Leisure Bowling & Golf Center, M&T Bank, Magic and Wonder Show, 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.
Printed event booklets are available for pick up at your local library or bookmobile. Contact your local public library for more information about these summertime happenings!
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The community is invited to join in The Great American Read, which is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.
“We are delighted to bring Luis Alberto Urrea to Lancaster for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Lancaster Public Library Executive Director Heather Sharpe. “We’ve engaged in a lot of meaningful conversations with our book discussions over the last six months, and look forward to an illuminating dialogue with Mr. Urrea.”
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