Sonoma County Library is excited to announce its Reading Takes You Everywhere summer reading program, launching June 1, 2018. During June, July, and August, the library will host a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults to encourage and support a love of reading. Those who participate in fun and free activities available at all Sonoma County Library branches this summer can win prizes for reaching their reading goals.
“We’ve planned a wonderful program of events for all ages to make the library a great place to read, learn, and discover what’s available for enjoyment,” said Kathy DeWeese, Youth Services Administrator at the Sonoma County Library. “Our events support the Reading Takes You Everywhere theme, to help expand worldviews and provide windows into other cultures and experiences.”
To combat the summer slide, the Reading Takes You Everywhere program encompasses reading, science, technology, art, math, and fun for all youth. The Library has a terrific line up of fun cultural, and educational children’s events including visits from Alphabet Rockers, Wildlife Associates, Didgeridoo Down Under, and Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theater, as well as themed activities with Crafting Takes You Everywhere and Around the World with Magic Treehouse. A new addition this summer is to add hands-on workshops for children in grades 4-6 to explore skills and activities around science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Teens, entering grades 7-12, have a number of exciting, artistic and engaging events including drawing comics, DIY Spa Science, Henna Art, Summer Smoothies, and Watercolor Collage. Teens who participate in Summer BINGO have opportunities throughout the summer to win prizes including a ChromeBook!
Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer learning loss. “Studies indicate students who read recreationally outperformed those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests,” DeWeese added. “Our libraries are committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all families, and a big part of that is instilling the love of reading at a young age. We make it fun, but our goal is to keep everyone reading all summer long.”
The Library is also offering events for adults, providing enrichment for the entire family. Adult Summer Readers can participate in Summer BINGO and win prizes including gift cards to local shops, a Sonoma County Parks pass and more. Special events include author visits, as well as musical performances by Stephen Kent Didgeridoo, the Mideast Tapestry Ensemble, and David Carrera’s Latin Guitar Trio.
To learn more about this summer’s Reading Takes You Everywhere program, sign up at your local library branch starting on June 1. All Summer Reading events are free and open to all.
