Summer break is here- woohoo! Our local libraries are ready and waiting with a summer jam packed full of reading and fun! each year, the Montgomery and Chester County Library systems roll out a themed summer reading program. This year is no different... announcing "Oceans of Possibilities"! Summer reading programs encourage kids to find time to read throughout the summer, but there is also so much more to the program- including family programming for all ages and interests!
We had a chance to catch up with Karen Goltz, Head of Children's Services at the Norristown Library and ask about the program. While each library will have their own unique reading reward system and programming, they all share core values of keeping kids engaged and reading throughout the summer. According to Goltz, the summer break can be very detrimental to children's reading progress without people realizing it. The summer reading program aims to help stop (or at minimum slow) the "summer slide." Also important, is the programs offer prizes and rewards, but they are not high pressure commitment programs. Kids are encouraged to read, but at their own pace and for their enjoyment- some will devour books throughout the summer; some will read 10 minutes a day. Both are welcome and eligible for prizes! Speaking of prizes, these are not to be missed. While libraries will have varying prizes we got the inside scoop that prizes in Norristown include: books, a Nintendo Switch, up to 20 prize baskets, and more! Additionally, every 2 hours of reading kids get a ticket as well as an automatic free book (limit 10 books this summer).
In addition, libraries will be hosting a wide variety of activities, story times, and events. Everything from family shows, animal encounters, fun (sometimes messy) workshops, and chances to learn new skills. Attendees receive a ticket for attending, which can be used for raffles or toward redeeming prizes. For example, at Norristown Library you'll find weekly story times as well as bilingual story time (ages 0-6), a weekly Garden Club, Kids Game Day (12 & under) video & board games, Eyes of the Wild- Conservation, Pirate & Mermaid Day! When asked what her favorite part of the Summer Reading Program is Goltz replied: "The amount of activities going on. During the summer every single time you walk into the library there's something exciting. Balloon making, magicians, wild animals, there's something for everyone. The fact that they can also win something on top of that is also really exciting." Whether your child is a reader or not, there is a way for everyone to participate in the Oceans of Possibilities summer!
All libraries will have varying programming, prizes, and program structure. Click below to learn more about each and don't forget to check the MK daily event calendar to stay on top of all the events and story times you won't want to miss!
