Libraries' summer reading programs encourage exploration of new worlds
May 31—Local libraries are getting to ready to launch summer reading programs that will take patrons from the depths of the ocean to sandy beaches and riverbanks.
"You open up that little window for them," Vikkie Mastroberte said of helping people of all ages discover new topics.
This year's theme for summer reading is "Oceans of Possibilities," though the Community Library of the Shenango Valley in Sharon is taking a slightly different approach, said Mastroberte, children's programming coordinator.
Since the Shenango Valley area is far from the beach, the library is focusing on things closer to home, like rivers and wetlands, with the "Dive Into Reading" theme.
Mastroberte, who was decorating the children's area on Friday with colorful aquatic life, is excited to introduce the program to patrons of all ages.
Registration kicks off June 13, though patrons can sign up any time through beanstack.com, which helps track reading progress.
The library's calendar is full of fun activities like arts and crafts, an exhibit from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, STEM programs, games and more.
The Sharon library supports Stey-Nevant Public Library in Farrell, which is also planning summer reading programming.
Patrons who complete reading challenges have a chance to win prizes like themed gift baskets.
The Community Library of the Shenango Valley is at 11 N. Sharpsville Ave., Sharon. It is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call 724-981-4360, visit clsv.net or check out "Community Library of the Shenango Valley" on Facebook, or email clshenangovalley@gmail.com
Stey-Nevant Public Library is at 1000 Roemer Blvd., Farrell. It is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
INFO: Call 724-983-2714, visit steynevantlibrary.com or email info@steynevantlibrary.com
Grove City Community Library
Heather Baker, director of children's programming, has at least 65 summer reading programs lined up for June and July.
There will be movies, a magic show, pool party, luau, and Jungle Terry and his animals, plus stories and activities about pirates, mermaids and sharks.
At 11 a.m. every Monday in June and July, kids are invited to watch movies at the library; they will include "Finding Dory," "The Little Mermaid," and "Luca."
"It's a great theme for summer," Baker said.
The younger kids will be rewarded with a prize bag while the older patrons will earn chances to win things like tickets to amusement and water parks.
Registration starts June 1, and it can be done online or at the library. At 10 a.m. June 8, families participating in the program are invited to see "Finding Nemo" at the Guthrie Theatre, 232 S. Broad St., Grove City. Admission is free.
Grove City Community Library is at 125 W. Main St., Grove City. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
INFO: Call 724-458-7320, visit www.grovecitypalibrary.org or check out "Grove City Community Library, PA" on Facebook, or email gccl@grovecitypalibrary.org
Brookfield Public Library
Patrons of all ages can read for fun and prizes from May 31 to July 30. The library will host ocean-inspired programs, activities and special events.
Register at the library or online.
Brookfield Public Library is at 7032 Grove St., Brookfield. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
INFO: Call 330-448-8134, visit www.wtcpl.org or check out "Warren-Trumbull County Public Library System" on Facebook.
Greenville Area Public Library
The library's summer reading program, Summer Quest 2022, is designed for kids through sixth grade. There are four different age groups.
There's a kickoff party on June 11, and programming runs June 14 through the end of July.
Greenville Area Public Library is at 330 Main St., Greenville. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
INFO: Call 724-588-5490, visit greenvillelibrary.net or check out "Greenville Area Public Library" on Facebook, or email director@greenvillelibrary.net
Lakeview Area Public Library
Summer reading for all ages runs June 21 to Aug. 13. Registration starts June 1 on beanstack.com, or visit the library.
Special events include a ventriloquist, story time and more with most programs being held at the park in Sandy Lake.
Lakeview Area Public Library is at 3265 S. Main St., Sandy Lake. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
INFO: Call 724-376-4217, visit lakeviewarealibrary.org or check out "Lakeview Area Public Library" on Facebook. Call the library to register for events and programs.
Mercer Area Library
A kickoff carnival will be held at noon June 7 with a Chick-fil-A food truck, balloon animals, crafts, games and local author Susan Hougelman and her new book, "Inside the Simple Life: Finding Inspiration Among the Amish."
Patrons of all ages can sign up for the program, which will include a magic show, story time, playtime and more. Prizes will be given to those who complete their reading logs.
Mercer Area Library is at 110 E. Venango St., Mercer. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
INFO: Call 724-662-4233, email mercerarealibrary@zoominternet.net or visit mercerarealibrary.org or "Mercer Area Library" on Facebook.
