At the Library: Celebrate summer, and reading, at Latah libraries
Ah, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the popsicles are melting. These are sure signs that summer is almost here. And what better way to celebrate the summer than with your local library. Make plans to visit all seven branches of the Latah County Library District for our annual summer reading program. Our theme this year is “All Together Now” and we will be celebrating summer happiness in our community. The summer reading program is open to all ages. It begins June 12 and ends July 27. We have a lot of fun packed into those seven weeks.
n Here comes the sun(mer reading challenge): This year’s program includes a series of three reading challenges: Complete 10 days of reading; get a bingo by completing five activities in a row; and get a blackout on the same bingo card by completing all the activities. Our bingo challenges will help you get All Together Now with your neighbors while completing fun activities and reading prompts. Upon completing a challenge, you will have the chance to win prizes, big and small. New this year at the Moscow Library — the first 500 summer readers to complete their 10 days of reading will receive a special Moscow Library branded water bottle to keep you hydrated as you read and play in the sun.
n Summer reading events here, there and everywhere: Each week during summer reading, our library branches will be hosting special events to entertain and educate all ages. Community members are invited to join us for performances from skilled storyteller Ben Kemper, kora musician Sean Gaskill, Reptile Lady and all her scaly friends, the comedy and stunt styles of Matt Baker, extreme science from Radical Rick and many more. Not only will our events feature guests, we will also have a variety of hands-on programming including Fairyopolis and Chalk-the-Walk.
If an evening in the park is more your style, you’re in luck. You can join the Moscow Library and the City of Moscow Arts Department for two nights of Entertainment in the Park. Stop by East City Park on the evenings of June 29 and July 6 for a short and sweet storytime, two children’s entertainment performances and two musical guests.
If you are unable to join our in-person programs, that’s OK! We’ll have a variety of activities that you can participate in at your convenience, with to-go and STEM activities throughout our branches all summer long. You’ll have the chance to macrame, make sun art, practice storytelling and hone your temporary tattoo skills. In Moscow, it won’t be just birds and bees buzzing around the trees — it will be your library. Keep your eyes peeled for Book Look, an all ages popup book scavenger hunt, and our Book Bike, the Free Wheeler, throughout the community. Don’t miss out on the fun, make sure to bookmark our events calendar (latahlibrary.org/events-calendar).
n Avoiding the summer slide: Summer reading is not only about fun reading challenges, new activities, amazing performers and opportunities to learn new skills. It is also about keeping your children from falling victim to the dreaded summer slide. Each year, during the summer months, school children have the potential of losing academic gains they made during the school year. Your local public library is here to help steer your children back on course and celebrate the love of lifelong (and year-long) learning. Participating in summer reading will help school-age children bridge the gap during out-of-school months.
Not only is summer reading important for youth, it is also beneficial for adults. Participation allows adults to become involved in their community and enhance mental wellbeing while curbing social isolation. As a bonus, when adults participate in programs they set positive examples of lifelong learning for the children in their lives. We hope you will join us for this year’s summer reading program. Watch our Facebook page and website for more details.
Echanove is youth services manager and Rivapalacio is adult services manager for the Latah County Library District.
