School’s out for summer – but that doesn’t mean it’s time for your books to collect dust.
The three libraries in Chilliwack are launching their Summer Reading Club program on June 28.
“It’s about keeping kids reading over the summer, and beating the learning loss that we know kids experience over the summer,” Chilliwack librarian Jacquelynne Garden said. Kids and teens will continue to improve their literacy skills, and keep their imaginations active with great stories.
Participants of all ages can pick up their Summer Reading Club reading records as of Tuesday.
Kids, teens and adults are asked to read every day for 15 minutes or more, and to keep track of their reading with the record. After each week of consistent reading, stop by the nearest library for a sticker and to be entered into the weekly prize draws. After seven weeks of reading throughout the summer, participants will receive a medal and take part in final prize draws.
There are no reading lists or scheduled club meetings to attend, Jacquelynne pointed out.
“You can do this on your own throughout the summer. If you’re going away [on vacation], you can read and fill in the record, and you’ll still get your prize draws. It’s as handy and flexible as families need it to be.”
And the program caters to everyone in the family.
‘Read to Me’ is for infants to preschool children. Little ones receive stickers as parents keep track of the reading they do with their child.
The Kids club is for K-Grade 6, and the Teens club is for Grade 7-12, and they can read any material they enjoy.
Adults can record daily reading as well, whether it’s a novel they have on-the-go or the latest issue of The Progress.
“It’s a really good example to set for the kids,” Jacquelynee said of adult participation. Families might decide to set aside some daily time to do their reading together.
The theme for the B.C. Summer Reading Club initiative this year is Book a Trip. If you’re looking for thematic inspiration, librarians can recommend great books that explore the globe, the universe or fantasy lands.
Further to the theme, participants who are travelling over the summer are encouraged to send a postcard to their local library.
“We’d love to see people sending us postcards from different places, even if you’re reading while on a staycation at Cultus Lake,” Jacquelynee said. “We have quite a collection already started.”
It’s always worthwhile to stop by the library this summer. Participants will have the opportunity to earn additional prize draw entries and instant prizes by finding hidden characters like Fromage the mouse. Many of the prizes are books, but there are also coupons for pizza, Slurpees, Frostys and ice cream up for grabs.
The Chilliwack libraries are hosting plenty of special events for Summer Reading Club through July and August. Their four core performers will make a stop at all three of our local libraries.
The Great Gordini is an award-winning magician with fantastic, mysterious magic trucks up his sleeve. He’s at the Chilliwack Library July 5, the Yarrow Library July 6, and the Sardis Library July 8.
The Vancouver Aquarium Aquazone will allow kids to explore a variety of artifacts and animals found in B.C. waters. Aquazone visits Sardis July 14, Chilliwack July 15, and Yarrow July 26.
Dance and jump to musician Chris Hamilton as he sings lively kids songs that tell tales of real and imaginary places. He’s in Chilliwack August 3, in Sardis August 11, and Yarrow August 16.
Finally, Andy the Musical Scientist will amaze audiences by creating instruments out of recycled items, sharing humour and world music. He’s in Chilliwack August 11, in Sardis August 11, and in Yarrow August 16.
Tickets are required for Sardis Library events due to limited space. Admission to all of the Summer Reading Clubs is free.
Find a full schedule of these events and many more for each library at www.fvrl.ca under the Events tab, filtering the events to Chilliwack.
Visit your favourite library location to join Summer Reading Club. Registration starts June 28 and continues throughout the summer. Phone the Chilliwack Library at 604-792-1941.