Chambers County Library launches summer reading program
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — The Sylvia Word McCollough Summer Reading Program at the Chambers County Library is starting up for the summer. This year’s theme is: Unearth a Story. The summer program will kick off on May 22 with a visit from the Kona Ice Truck. There will be a free treat for all registered readers from 1 to 2 p.m. CST.
Pre-registration for the reading program began May 11, and participants can begin recording pages read May 22. Online sign-up is available at chamberscountylibrary.beanstack.com.
“Summer reading is important because it helps students of all ages practice and improve literacy skills while they are out of school for the summer,” said LaFayette Library Branch Manager Rachel Johnson. “Reading also transports readers into the story and fosters creativity and imagination. Local families are encouraged to participate because reading together as a family helps to build strong family bonds. Reading together also shows children the importance of reading and that it can be fun. The fact that, as you read, you receive fun and delicious prizes is an added bonus.”
With important benefits for children to help bridge school-centered education during the summer, Johnson said this program offers incentives for community members of every age to join in on the fun and get reading this summer.
“All ages can participate in the summer reading program,” she said. “We encourage everyone to sign up. Reading is important for everyone because learning does not stop at a certain age. The library has lots of books for children, teens and adults to check out.”
Prizes for participants of various ages are as follows:
• For every 400 pages up to 4,000 pages, readers will earn a trip to the treasure chest and a brag tag.
• Readers who read 1,200 pages will receive a reading certificate and medallion.
• School-aged children who read 4,000 pages will also receive a school supply kit, a Papa John’s coupon and a Chick-Fil-A kids’ meal.
• For infants to age five, 4,000 page readers will receive a stuffed animal, a book, a Papa John’s coupon and a Chick-Fil-A kids’ meal.
• Adults can also read for prizes, gift card drawing entries, brag tags, a certificate and a medallion.
With the opportunity to watch local families enjoy summer reading, Johnson said she is excited to watch children fall in love with books and enjoy all the fun programs in the coming months.
“My favorite part of the summer library program is always the excitement the children have as they turn in the books they’ve read, and they skip off to discover new reading treasures to take home with them,” she said. “A behind-the-scenes favorite part of the summer program for me is getting in the brand new books and flipping through all of the fun stories our families will check out this summer.”
Along with the Summer Reading Program, Johnson said the library will also offer lots of fun programs, library performers and hands-on activities. Some activities include free donuts and books, crafts, live animals, pizza, face painting, a visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow, magic shows and much more. For a complete list of programs and activities, visit the library’s website at chamberscountylibrary.org. Schedules are also available at the Bradshaw and LaFayette libraries.
“The community response is always supportive, positive and excited,” she said. “We love seeing the children excited about the book they just read or the animal they just saw in person at a library program. It is hard to say what community members enjoy most, but if I had to choose, I would say the brand new books and interactive performers.”
The LaFayette Library is located at 198 1st St SE, LaFayette, and the H. Grady Bradshaw Library is located at 20th Avenue, Valley.
