From staff reports
The Beaufort County Library System and the Beaufort County School District are ready to dive into another exciting Summer Reading Program.
The fun and innovative program is a collaboration between the 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 “All Together Now,” accommodates summer schedules with minimal deadlines and flexible time frames 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 required digital components such as registration or online tracking, and that is by design. By contrast, the all-ages game board allows participants to write in the books they read, activities they complete, and other fun literacy-based prompts.
The schools and the library work together to ensure all students continue to read during the summer. Studies show that reading for at least 20 minutes a day can help mitigate the effects of the “summer slide,” when children can 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 a dolphin cruise, kayak tour, tablet, children’s museum membership, restaurant or retail gift card, escape room experience, and so much more. In addition, children and teens will receive a book to add to their home libraries and adults will receive a coupon to the various Friends of the Library book sales across the library system.
This summer features exciting events hosted at the libraries, including visits from a story artist magician, a juggler, and family-friendly kindie rock band, 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. Or visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/summer.
