by Jean B.

It’s summer, hooray! So much free time!
It’s summer, oh, no! So much free time!

What will you do with the kids this summer? Check out the library’s summer reading program, which begins June 1. Join in the adventure. It’s FREE, it’s for everyone!

So what’s in it for you? FUN! Borrow music, dance and sing! Borrow puppets and put on a show. Take home the Gingerbread Man literacy activity kit, and build a boat that floats. Get a book of jokes to share. Take our Summer Reading Mascot on a journey as Flat Booker.

BOREDOM BUSTERS. Try some activity ideas from the summer reading game board at home, at the library, or in your neighborhood. Party at our branch Summer Reading Celebrations (see p. 11) scattered throughout the summer. You may discover safari surprises, mythological creatures, carnival games, and more. The one thing that you won’t find is boredom!

STRUCTURE and GOALS. Instead of school routines, use your game board as a daily brain-builder. Make a plan to read together every day and complete a space on the game board. Visit the library often — where your child can collect a stamp for completed activities, earn a sticker, and find more great things to borrow. It all builds to a great goal: complete the game and earn a summer reading prize – hooray!

A (SECRET) BOOST TO SCHOOL SKILLS. Did you know? Reading, singing, talking, writing, and playing all summer helps reduce “summer slide,” so your kids are ready for the transition to a new grade in August.

AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT. On the hottest days of summer, you can find cool spaces and even cooler events at HCLS’ six branches. Crafts, STEAM activities, games, book clubs, movies – it’s all happening at your library.

Get on board and pick up your map for a Summer Reading Adventure at any HCLS branch, beginning June 1. Bet you can’t wait for summer to arrive with lots of time to explore and learn. See you at the library!

Join Booker in games for ages birth – 4 and ages 5 – 10. Teens (ages 11 – 18) participate in a raffle. Adults receive the new 2024 Reading Challenges booklet.

For book lists, classes, and more, visit hclibrary.org/summer.

SUMMER READING CELEBRATIONS
For all ages. Drop in to these sessions happening all summer! For details, visit hclibrary.org/summer
Passport to Adventure
Tue, Jun 18; 3 – 7 pm | Glenwood Branch
Party on the Patio
Wed, Jun 26; 5 – 8 pm | Central Branch
Summer Reading Carnival
Fri, Jul 19; 11 am – 2 pm | East Columbia Branch
Summer Safari
Sat, Jul 20; 11 am – 2 pm | Savage Branch
Mythological Creatures of Legend
Thu, Aug 15; 6 – 8 pm | Miller
Summer Reading Celebration
Sat, Aug 24; 10 am – 4 pm | Elkridge Branch

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.