Willard Library to kick off Summer Reading Program June 6
BATTLE CREEK — Willard Library's Summer Reading Program is celebrating community unity this year with the theme "All Together Now."
The program officially kicks off with a June 6 party at the Helen Warner Branch, 36 Minges Creek Place. Festivities from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will include music, games, prizes and the opportunity to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.
“The summer reading kickoff will have a ‘party in the park’ feel this year. We are very excited everyone will be coming to pick up their reading logs and bingo cards at the event,” Tynisha Dungey, director of youth services at Willard Library, said. “To celebrate the start of summer reading, we will have a live DJ playing music, great food, and plenty of yard games for families to enjoy. In addition, some of our local partners will be at the kickoff with information about the programs and services they provide.”
Children, teens, and adults may stop by either library location at any time to pick up a copy of the summer reading brochure, full of programs and activities for all ages. Beginning June 6, reading logs will be available for babies and toddlers, school age children, teens, and adults, with opportunities to earn rewards for reading and win a grand prize drawing.
The Summer Reading Program is designed to help children and families celebrate the joy of reading. Dungey said encouraging children to read throughout the summer months is important to help them retain what they’ve learned throughout the school year.
“Have your child explore all kinds of reading material, whether it is a graphic novel, picture book or audiobook," she said. "Ask your child about things they've read to check for understanding. These are a few things parents and caregivers can do to prevent summer slide.”
This year’s “All Together Now” theme has the library collaborating with several community partners including Leila Arboretum, Kingman Museum and the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. Sustainability is also incorporated into the programming and summer reading prizes, so “children can learn the importance of using the earth’s resources responsibly, and how everyone in the community can work together for the common good,” Dungey said.
Among the variety of library offerings this summer is the return of “Super Tuesdays," with morning and evening programs:
June 13: Kaboomistry with Michigan Science Center, and African Masquerade Dancers
June 20: Leila Arboretum and Kingman Museum
June 27: Beverly Meyer, the Music Lady concert
July 11: Storytime Adventures with What-a-Do Theatre and The Gilmore
July 18: Cup Stacking with Mr. Jim
July 25: Get Moving with the YMCA
Aug. 1: Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
Aug. 8: Randy Kaplan Concert
Daycares and camps of six or more may register by calling (269) 968-8166 ext. 518 to ensure adequate seating.
Programs for adults, including a candle making class, a movie showing and family history research classes are also planned this summer.
“We wanted to have some continuity between our regular programming schedule and the summer schedule," Dungey said. "We will still be hosting Babytime on Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesdays will still be story time at Helen Warner Branch, and we will continue our Monday night programs for school aged children.”
Willard Library programs are free and open to the public. Additional program information is available on the library’s website, willardlibrary.org.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Willard Library to kick off Summer Reading Program June 6
