Summer programs abound at local libraries
In an effort to fight off the “summer slump,” libraries in Shelby County are working to create programming and events that encourage kids to read as much as they can in between school years.
“Our main reason for doing summer reading is to avoid the summer slump, so that kids continue reading and engaging in literature and fun over the summer, so that when they get back to school in the fall, they haven’t spent all summer not reading,” said Kate Etheridge, branch manager for the Mt Laurel Library. “Also, just because it’s a lot of fun and we have a good time.”
From magicians and ventriloquists to library dollars and grand prizes, make sure to check out what’s going on at your local library.
Mt Laurel Library
► 111 Olmsted St.
Mt Laurel Library will kick off its summer reading program June 2 with an event from 4-6 p.m. The event will include bounce houses, a giant slide, popcorn, slushies, face painting and other activities. The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome, Etheridge said.
Before the kick-off party, however, kids can register for summer reading starting May 21. Registration will run through July 13, with a special prize for children registering before June 1, according to the library’s website. Book logging begins with registration and then continues through July 20.
While most of their summer reading programs are for younger kids, Etheridge said they will continue to have two programs a month for tweens as well as several programs for adults over the summer.
For more information, go to mtlaurellibrary.org beginning May 15.
North Shelby Library
► 5521 Cahaba Valley Road
The North Shelby Library will also kick off summer reading on June 2. Starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 1 p.m., the kick-off event will include bounce houses, a money machine, cotton candy, slushies and special appearances by the Chick-fil-A cow and Belle from Red Mountain Theater Company’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
Summer reading registration will be available at the event, but early registration will also run from May 21 through June 1. Patrons who register early will be eligible for an extra “library dollar” to be redeemed at the end of summer reading. Library dollars can also be earned throughout the summer by reaching weekly reading goals, which vary by age group.
“We want them to read what they love, that’s the main thing,” said Children’s Services Librarian Vanessa Warner.
At the end of summer reading, on July 21, there will be another party where two grand prizes — a bike and a big tech item — will be presented.
Other summer programming includes performances from Doc Adams, a ventriloquist and a DIY magician, as well as weekly family movies, crafts and tween programming. For more information, go to northshelbylibrary.org.
Chelsea Public Library
► 16623 U.S. 280
Chelsea Public Library has several activities planned for this summer. The programs are set to take place at the Chelsea Community Center off of Shelby County 36. Dates for the events include:
June 6: Gene Cordova, ventriloquist
June 13: TBD or Craft Day
June 20: Will Keating, puppetry
June 27: 6th Day Creatures, animals
July 11: Mark Seymour, music
July 18: Bill Packard, magician
There will also be robotics and coding programs as part of Hands On Thursdays, with more information becoming available at a later date.
For more information, go to chelsealibraryonline.com.