The Statesboro-Bulloch County Library is kicking off its popular Summer Reading Program for 2022. With a variety of exciting events, activities, and challenges, there is much planned for the months of June and July. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities. The program is for all ages – from the earliest lap readers to the oldest adults.
Cindy Hatchell, Assistant Library Manager and Manager of Youth & Family Services, organizes the program and is excited.
“The Summer Reading Program has been going since 1890 as a nationwide program,” she said. “We do it to help prevent ‘the summer slide’ and to encourage reading and make it fun for the summer.”
The children’s area of the library is decorated with larger than life ocean creatures and scenery and is ready to welcome readers!
While registration officially just began June 1, readers can register at any time by coming into the library to collect their reading log and calendar of events. They can also choose one free book to keep to get them started on their summer reading journey.
As the summer progresses, readers can return their reading logs to the library once per week and spin a prize wheel to collect something fun. And yes, there are special prizes for teen and adult readers, as well! (Make sure to check out the 3-D printer on the front desk; it may be printing a prize while you are there!)
Readers can also help fill the giant ocean wall near the front desk when they stop by.
“Every time they bring in a reading log, they can add a piece of treasure to the net,” Hatchell said. “It will be fun to see what all we catch!”
Children are also invited to participate in an ocean-themed community project by designing a scale to go onto a giant fish.
Activities and Events
During the Summer Reading Program, the library provides a wide variety of fun, free activities for readers of all ages to enjoy. Hatchell explained that the months of June and July have a different theme each week, and the days of the week each focus on different age categories, which include adults, kids, toddlers, teens, and families.
Each day the library is open in the summer months will feature an activity fitting the theme for that week and the age category for that day. The activities will include something for everyone, like art, crafting, cooking, gaming, scavenger hunts, storytimes, book clubs, and much more.
The most popular events of the program each year are the performers, which the library will host for free each Thursday morning in June at 10am. This year’s slate includes ventriloquist Marc Griffiths, storyteller September Cardiff, humorist and magician Tim Sonefelt, magician Jeffini, and guitarist and entertainer, Sean Driscoll.
In addition to these special events, the library will offer its usual activities for kids like coloring sheets, free computer use, the LEGO wall, and Tormenta Tuesdays. Free adult computer classes and Statesboro Stitches will continue, as well.
Please view the library events calendar for full details on all the fun that is planned.
E-Reading
There are also several options for those who prefer – or just want to explore – digital reading this summer.
Readers can register on the Beanstack app to track their reading progress and participate in fun challenges. For example, Hatchell said, one challenge might be to take a picture of yourself reading outside to earn a badge. Beanstack readers will be entered into drawings for prizes when they complete books and challenges.
Beanstack is available through Google Play, the Apple App Store, or on the library’s summer reading computer.
In addition, the library offers e-reading apps for both adults and children – Libby for adults and Axis360 for kids – that allow library patrons to check out e-books with their library cards. More information on how to access these apps is available at the library and on the library website.
Visit the library for summer reading and much more
The Statesboro-Bulloch County Library welcomes all this summer! In addition to the programming above, the library offers free wi-fi, public computers, document scanning, photocopying, and fax services.
The library is located at 124 South Main St., at the intersection of S. Main and East Grady St. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 7pm and on Friday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm.
For more information on the Summer Reading Program or any of the library’s services, you can visit the library’s website or Facebook page or call 912-764-1341 during business hours.
