LAURINBURG — Scotland County’s annual summer reading program begins this week and has a twofold purpose.
The program not only gives local children who might not get to attend sleep away camps a fun activity to make summers more memorable, it also helps retain reading skills that might be lost during summer away from school.
“Our Summer Reading Program encourages students to stay active with their reading over the summer. The research is clear, students can experience ‘summer loss’ which is equivalent to three months of learning if they don’t read throughout the summer,” said Director Leon Gyles. “We know you share our desire for your student(s) to develop a lifelong love of reading so we hope to provide some opportunities to encourage reading over the summer.”
Registration started Monday. Those interested can register at the library’s front desk. Reading began on Wednesday and will end July 31. Completed registration forms should be turned in by August 1.
This summer’s theme is Libraries Rock. The 28 day program rewards students who sign up and meet reading goals with small trinkets and lots of opportunities for entertainment.
“Typically students read at least 20 minutes each school day. Our summer reading program challenges children of all ages to read for 20 minutes a day for twenty-eight days,” Gyles said. Participants who register children will receive a cup containing “a few summer essentials” like pencils and the all-important bookmark to hold their place while they take part in other summer activities like eating ice cream, riding bikes and playing with friends.
Gyles wants parents to be involved in the process and is are asking them to assist check- off the program’s reading requirements.
Participants are required to attend at least three of the library’s programs and will receive a stamp on their registration form for each program they attend. In return for their attendance, they will be registered for a drawing to win a Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 tablet provided by the library.
Scotland County Memorial Library funds the program through the annual budget allocation they receive from the county, according to Gyles.
Little readers will also be given an opportunity for win extra goodies this year. In a new incentive, there will be a drawing for a gift basket full of items specific to each program and some extra prizes as well. Participants will receive a ticket as they enter the library and the drawing will held at the end of the day’s entertainment.
Items in the baskets are being donated by local residents and businesses.
“Lynnette [Butler] has been out beating the bushes for donations from all around the area,” Gyles said.
He could not hint as to what might be in the in the baskets saying that he had given Butler “free reign” but promised the baskets will be good.
Grand prize drawing “Nook GlowLight 3” will be held August 1 at the final summer reading program.
“We will have exciting, educational programs each Wednesday for six weeks,” Gyles said. “We hope you will come for the fun, learn something new, and check out our many new books and much loved classics. Let’s work together to advance literary and academic performance of the children in Scotland County while having lots of fun.”
For information on this or other events at the Scotland County Memorial Library call 276-0563 or visit www.scotlandcounty.org/library or the Facebook page.
Scotland County Memorial Library’s “Libraries Rock!” 2018 Summer Learning Program events will be:
Wednesday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Mark Daniel, Magical Storyteller, a passionate authority on children’s books, Mark is one of the most creative, and original performers in the country! He is a kid whisperer who skillfully combines storytelling, puppetry, magic tricks, book talking and audience participation. Widely studied by other performers and librarians too, his goal for every performance is for kids to have a fantastically fun time, and to be positively impactful as a “Reading Ambassador!”
Wednesday, June 27 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to meet a Mad Scientist and observe awesome experiments that will leave you spellbound? Come to the Library and learn just how your public library rocks! The entertainment is focused on the scientific discoveries and wonderful laboratory presentations which will be delivered for children’s enjoyment.
— Wednesday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Bright Star Theater Group “Storybook Tales.” Everybody on the farm has a favorite song. Join Old Farmer MacDonald, his wife Mrs. MacDonald, Daisy the Cow, Simon the Pig and all thier favorite friends from the farm for a fun and energetic singalong that brings everyone together. From tunes like “Camptown Races” to classic nursery rhymes like “Hey Diddle Diddle,” this fun interactive show has a strong character message of sharing and caring for others and is a great option for our youngest audiences.
— Wednesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Caleb Sigmon Illusionist, storyteller, and the boy who never grew up! Caleb spent the majority of his childhood playing inside cardboard boxes, fighting dragons and playing cowboys and Indians in his backyard. He developed the ability to dream big at an early age. Now, he has made it his career. Graduating from one of the top 10 national art schools, Caleb immediately went to work forging his own way with a unique blend of magic, drama, and storytelling. The show will leave little ones spellbound and in awe.
— Wednesday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Snakes Alive with Ron Cromer: Reptiles, Snakes and more! Hands on experience for visitors to get up close and personal. Ron Cromer will make your experience unforgettable. Come out for an educational and hands on opportunity to learn about snakes and reptiles.
— Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Come and join the library for Captain Jim’s Magical Reading Program and discover magic with a message. There are Treasures found in education and reading and Captain Jim will be the tour guide. This is the library’s final program and there will have a celebration following the show.
— Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m.
Summer Reading Program Grand Prize Drawing