Public Libraries of Lancaster County and the Bookmobile will be presenting, this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story”, offers special stories, events, music, and hands-on learning centered on heroes in books and much, much more! Readers of all ages invited to READ all things related to this year’s theme as local public libraries present “Every Hero Has A Story!™” during their summer reading program, while ” Escape the Ordinary™” is the teen slogan. The countywide reading program begins May 30 and will run until August 8, 2015. Youth may join anytime during this time frame. The Summer Reading Library program supports Pennsylvania Academic Standards & PA Early Learning Standards.
The 2015 countywide Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens of all ages. Program components include 4 reading levels: Read Aloud (birth-4 years), Elementary (ages 5-9), Tween (ages 10-12) and the Teen level (ages 13-19).
Last year 24,333 youth of all ages participated in the countywide reading program. This year’s local library events offer young children and students’ out-of-school STEM learning time. Teens are invited 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’. One of the local school districts reported that an amazing 82% of children (K-2nd grade) who completed the 2014 SRP requirements in their elementary schools did not experience the traditional academic “Summer Slide”. And nearly one third of the children went up two reading levels during the summer!
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.
2015 Summer Entertainment & Educational Events
at Local Public Libraries
Adam Swartz Puppets -Heroes on Hand Learn what it takes to be a hero (or villain) as you help several puppet characters save the day! This entertaining show emphasizes decision making and the power of teamwork, that’s educational and entertaining for all. (All ages) First event is on June 16.
Ryan Bridge “The Bug Man” –The Good, the Bad and the NOT so Creepy Educational program about insects and how they affect our lives, both good and bad. Program includes preserved displays and the opportunity for the audience to touch and pet some harmless LIVE bugs. (All ages) First event is June 22.
Steve Courtney: Rock On-Read On! Fun, upbeat concert filled with sing-a-long songs, loads of good humor and a touch of inspiration for all. (Age 4+) First event is on July 7.
Herpetology Heroes with Jesse Rothacker Have a close encounter with snakes, lizards, turtles and crocs from around the world and discover their secret survival super powers. (Age 5-12) First event is June 16.
Science Explorers “Motion Commotion” Learn about Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, witness amazing effects of air pressure, create a low pressure system using tornado force winds and find out if air really does have weight as they launch into some rockin’ experiments. (Age 5+) First event is on June 17.
Lancaster County Environmental Center Programs Enjoy and explore any of these programs at one or more of the local libraries: “Animal Heroes: the Animal Olympics”, “Be a Hero for Our Earth”; “Investigations in Science: Forensic Clues”; ”Native Americans: Our First Heroes”; “Navaho Code Talkers”; “Your Secret Identity”; or “Super Forces of Nature”. For (Children, Teens and Families)
Cylo Visits! Lancaster Barnstormer’s mascot swings into action at special storytimes! Hear this famous tale & more! (All Ages) First event is on June 15.
Curious George Costume Character, Curious George will make appearances for special storytimes at public libraries this summer. First event is May 30.
Clifford the Red Dog Costume Character, Clifford the Big Red Dog will make appearances for special storytimes at public libraries this summer. First event is on May 30.
The PRINCESS of Dutch Wonderland Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Princesses, Princes, Lords and Ladies are invited to attend a royal reading story times! (Ages 3+) First event is on June 18.
Local Sponsor Support
In addition to the Library System’s support, this year’s literacy-minded Summer Reading Program Sponsors include: 222 Dutch Lanes, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn, Cain’s Lanes, Castle Roller Skating; Clearview Lanes, The Comic Store, Comics and Paperbacks Plus, Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches, Lancaster Barnstormers, Lancaster Cupcake, Lancaster Ice Rink, Laserdome, Leisure Lanes, McDonald’s Restaurants, Refreshing Mountain Ziplines; Rita’s, Rocky Springs Lanes, Scratch Cupcakes, Sequential Arts Too, Sky Zone Trampoline Park; Stoudt Advisors, Strasburg Rail Road Company, Sugar Whipped Cupcakes, Susquehanna Bank, and That Bounce Place .
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! Visit our website at www.lancasterlibraries.org and click on “Your Local Library” for a complete listing of Public Libraries in Lancaster County. The countywide public library summer reading program is supported in part by the Library System of Lancaster County.
About the Library System of Lancaster County
The Library System of Lancaster County is a federated system with 14 member libraries, three branches and a bookmobile, which serves 519,462 residents. Established in April 1987 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, the Library System provides well-coordinated countywide services and cooperative programs to assist member libraries in meeting the diverse needs of its community residents. The mission of the Library System of Lancaster County is to bring together all 14 member public libraries to plan and create a cost-effective network of technology, facilities and resources to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of all residents of Lancaster County. The Library System ensures that a network of support services is provided to all public libraries in the county.