Dream Big: READ!

ABC Libraries' Summer Reading Kickoff is fast approaching!  Dream Big: Read! is the theme of this year's Summer Reading Program for kids (the teen theme is Own the Night & it's Between the Covers for adults).  The kickoff is June 1st - for a list of kickoff events, visit the Dream Big LibGuide Events page, or head over to the LibGuide of your branch of choice.

There will be different events for all ages at library branches from June 1st until the program ends on July 20th, including Ticklefish Dude, Drumfest, A Celebration of Drums!, Solar Telescope Viewing, & Magic with Animals with John Polinko - & that's just for kids!  Teen events include: Hacky Sack and Juggling; Mayan Calendar Workshop; Birds of Prey with Wildlife Rescue Inc.; & Designing Paquime Pottery with Explora! Adults can enjoy Un Viaje Por Mexico - Folkloric Ensemble or History of Rock and Roll or Introduction to Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with Dr. Kimberly Workman or an Art Workshop with Micaela Seidel, just for starters.  Pick up an events calendar at your local branch or print one out from here.

Of course, it wouldn't be Summer Reading without reading, so make sure to sign up (not just kids - teens & adults, too!) to win weekly prizes by filling out reading logs throughout the program! Teens & adults will also be entered for the system-wide grand prize drawings at the end of the program - adult grand prizes include a $250 gift card from Southwest Airlines & a Kindle Touch, & teen grand prizes include an iPod Touch & a digital production class! 

Why take part in Summer Reading? It's not just about prizes. Studies have shown that children who read during the summer generally maintain their reading skills, and that children who see their parents read, or who read with their parents generally have scored higher on standardized tests.

For more information, such as how to sign up for the program, forms to fill out for teens ages 12-18 who'd like to volunteer during Summer Reading, & recommended Dreamy Books for Little Readers, check out the Dream Big LibGuide, or stop by a library branch near you!