From staff reports
The Beaufort County Library System and the Beaufort County School District are ready to embark on another exciting Summer Reading Program journey – “Adventure Begins At Your Library!”
The fun and innovative program is a collaboration between local schools and the library that encourages all ages (adults too!) to read and turns summer reading into a game that rewards participants for achieving their reading goals.
This year’s program, themed “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” accommodates summer schedules with minimal deadlines and flexible timeframes to complete goals. Plus, participants can choose what, how much, and how often they read. Printed game boards serve as the centerpiece of the program and, along with something to read, are the only necessary components of participation.
The program does not include registration or online tracking, and that is by design. By contrast, the all-ages game board allows participants to keep track of their daily reading and earn prizes along the way. Readers can keep playing by completing fun activities with the Super Reader Bonus Round to receive an additional grand prize entry.
Local schools and the library work together to ensure students continue to read during the summer. Studies show that reading for at least 20 minutes a day can help mitigate the effects of “summer slide,” when children lose valuable reading skills when they aren’t in school. Each Beaufort County School District student will be provided with a printed summer reading game board before the school year ends, and students attending summer schools will participate in the program.
In an incredible display of community support, dozens of local businesses and organizations have provided generous prizes, donations, and incentives allowing lucky readers who finish the program a chance to win an overnight hotel stay, dolphin cruise, kayak tour, tablet, restaurant or retail gift card, mini golf adventure, and so much more. In addition, children and teens will receive a book to add to their home libraries.
This summer features exciting events hosted at the libraries, including visits from a story balloon artist/magician and a storyteller, as well as educational events, crafts and storytimes, movies, teen hangouts, and more.
The program begins on June 1 and ends July 31. To participate, individuals only need the game board and things to read. Game boards will be available at all Beaufort County Library locations and online June 1. Registration is not required, nor is a library card — although the library encourages all residents ages 4 and older to obtain their very own library card.
The program is designed for all ages, from babies to senior citizens. All Beaufort County residents are encouraged to pick up a reading log and join the fun.
For questions regarding the summer reading program or other library events, contact Theresa Furbish, Beaufort County Library’s Programs and Events Librarian at theresa.furbish@bcgov.net or 843-255-6442.
