Not sure if I’ve mentioned this lately, but I love the library. We have a fantastic library system in Columbus with FREE access to books, job and homework help, concerts, author visits, story times for children, and my favorite thing of all: Summer Reading Club! This year the Columbus Metropolitan Library‘s Summer Reading Club slogan is Be a Hero READ, and it couldn’t be more fitting. I was honored be chosen as one of the community heroes by the library, among a list of other fantastic people – take a look: www.summerreadingclub.com. The main thing we all have in common is that we understand the importance of reading and literacy, whether it be for ourselves or for others around us, such as our children. Not to mention that the library is one of my family’s favorite hangouts.
To be a hero, too, all you have to do is stop into your local library branch, sign up, and make the commitment to read and read to your kids this summer.
CML’s 2011 Summer Reading Club runs from June 4 – July 31, and kids and adults can earn prizes merely for enjoying a good book (go & sign up to find out what they are)! This year I am getting stickers for each child to keep tally of the minutes they’ve read. I also saw in a magazine the idea for a beaded bookmark. Kids add a bead for either each book they read or each hour they read during the summer. Add colorful beads or have your child spell out their name on a long piece of yarn or string, and by the end of summer they will have a cool bookmark.
The Main Library is holding its Summer Reading Club Kick-Off on Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there’s a ton of fun activities for the entire family. The world’s fastest electric car (the OSU Buckeye Bullet) will be set up on the main floor, they’ll have several crafts, Max (of Max and Ruby) and Maisy will also be visiting younger customers. The Shazzbots will be performing in addition to police and fire trucks and even a NBC 4 meteorologist will conduct fun programs and demonstrations.
Please note, not all Central Ohio libraries have the same reading clubs. Here’s some additional information:
- Be a Hero READ is the theme for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Southwest Public Library systems (for infants through adults).
- Worthington Public Library‘s theme is Summer Reading League and runs from June 4 – August 6 (for children and teens only).
- Upper Arlington Library‘s theme is One World Many Stories and runs from June 9 – August 6 (for children and teens only).
- Westerville Public Library‘s theme varies by age group and runs from June 9 – August 6 (for children and adults).
I’ve already picked up my first book. I am reading: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. My boy got two Thomas the Tank Engine books and my girl picked up a few books on turtles. Now it’s your turn. What are you planning to read this summer?
My kids loved, loved, loved the summer reading clubs. They completed everything every year because they were such great readers. Encourage your kids to read!