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, as well) to read and turns summer reading into a game that rewards participants for achieving their reading goals.
This year’s program, themed “Oceans of Possibilities,” 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 “Reading Logs” 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 children’s reading log allows young readers to color-in a sea animal each time they complete one of their reading goals. Adults and teens simply write the title of what they read for that day.
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 log before the school year ends, and students attending summer schools will participate in the program.
In an incredible display of community support, over one hundred local businesses and organizations have provided more than 200 generous prizes, donations, and incentives allowing lucky readers who finish the program a chance to win a two-night camping adventure, a dolphin cruise, kayak tour, tablet, cooking lesson, 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.
Ocean-themed events will be hosted at the libraries, including visits from the South Carolina Aquarium, an author, and a professional cartoonist, as well as educational events, crafts and story times, movies, teen hangouts, and more.
The program begins on June 1 and ends July 30. To participate, individuals only need the reading log and things to read. Reading logs 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 more information, visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/summer.
