After a crazy 18 months, the world seems to be returning to something that resembles normal. One of the biggest ways our Library staff contributes to that is with our annual Summer Reading Program.
This year’s theme is Reading Colors Your World, and we couldn’t agree more. Books can open up your world by introducing you to other parts of the globe or the perspective of someone entirely different from you. They can also literally color your world by teaching you painting techniques or a fresh approach to interior design.
There are so many ways reading can make a colorful impact on your life. Here's why our Summer Reading Program is a great way to start.
Why participate?
If you’re a parent and wondering why it’s important to keep your child reading throughout the summer, we thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog entry, which explains why it’s important and gives great tips on how to encourage your family to participate in Summer Reading.
One of their suggestions is to create a ‘to-be-read’ list. I always have a list of books I want to read, and you can help your kids or spouse have one too! An easy way to get started is to visit our Recommendations for Kids page, which includes our Get Reading lists and the lists of titles nominated for a book award in Illinois.
Or you could submit a Book Picks request to have our expert librarians create a personalized list of book recommendations for you. We’re ready and eager to help you create your list!
How to color your world
We’ve figured out a way to (safely) have fun with you this summer through programs on the lawn, virtual events and videos, and even program materials pickup on the front porch.
As always, we have three programs running for different age groups: Birth to Grade 8, Grades 9-12, and Adults.
Adults & Teens
Pick up a Summer Reading brochure from the Library anytime and complete the entry forms included or online at mgpl.org/summer. Each submission for reading a book, watching a movie, attending a program, and more equals one entry in our drawings for gift cards to local businesses. Read 10 books? That’s 10 entries! The more you read, listen to, watch, or attend, the better your chance of winning a prize.
Kids Birth to Grade 8
Sign up online at mgpl.org/summer. Once you register, we’ll call to arrange pickup of program materials either at the Summer Reading Desk on our porch or through curbside pickup—whatever is most comfortable or convenient for you. We’ve got weekly activities and fun prizes for everyone who participates and monthly raffles for bigger prizes too.
To keep the fun going all summer long, households that have everyone participate get an extra prize that you can use to make some family fun and enhance our outdoor programs on the lawn.
Ready to start?
Head to mgpl.org/summer and get reading. And don't forget to check out our entire lineup of programs (both virtual and in-person) at mgpl.org/events.
No matter how you use the Library this summer, we can’t wait to see you!
Courtney Schroeder is the Youth Services Manager at Morton Grove Public Library.
