Summer reading series: Library programs

The Grand County Public Library has a number of programs designed to help you, and your kids, read more this summer

Why is summer so popular for reading? Maybe it’s the lure of a written-word vacation, of traveling to new places and times through books. Maybe it’s the idea of stretching out in the sand near the Teacups at Mill Creek with a book in one hand and lemonade in the other. Maybe it’s that summer days feel longer, with daylight from early in the morning until 9 p.m., and ripe for hobbies. In any case, we love reading at the Moab Sun News, and this summer, we’re chatting with local book experts about how to read more, and what to read, while the weather is warm. 

While the Grand County Public Library endorses reading throughout the entire year, this summer, staff are putting on a number of programs designed to help people of every age develop a love of reading. 

The first is its reading challenge, called “All Together Now,” which started on June 5 and will continue until August 13. Anyone can register for the reading challenge: the challenge is split into age groups (birth to 4 years old; 5 to 12 years old; 10 to 18 years old; and 19 years old and up), and awards prizes for how many hours a participant spends reading. The adult challenge, for example, awards a Cosmo the Library Cat sticker just for registering. Participants can then earn tickets to enter to win prizes by reading more: adult prizes include gift certificates to local shops and a Kindle Fire 7 Tablet; kids prizes include LEGO sets and floor puzzles; and teen prizes include a Bluetooth speaker and gaming keyboard (you can sign up at tinyurl.com/gcplreads). 

Programs for children

“One of the main reasons that we offer a summer reading program is because we want to encourage children to continue to read during the summer, and continue learning during the summer, so they don’t lose any progress they made during the school year,” said Adrea Lund, the head of children and teen services at the library.

The “All Together Now” theme came from a nationwide library summer reading program, and lends itself to fun, in-person events. Throughout the summer, the library has hosted weekly “All Together Now” events geared toward kids 3-10 (and their caregivers) like a popsicle social and dinosaur-themed visit with the Moab Museum. On Saturday, July 8, the library will host “All Together Now with Mad Science,” a science show with the group “Mad Science” at Star Hall. The event on Tuesday, July 11, is called “All Together with Slime,” and kids will learn how to make, and get to play with, glitter slime. The following Tuesday’s event is called “All Together with Community and the Moab Valley Multicultural Center,” and will include a bilingual story hour and activities. The final event, on Tuesday, July 25, is called “All Together with Bottle Rockets,” and will include bottle rocket activities and popsicles. 

Lund said one of the aspects of her job that she’s most passionate about is helping caregivers of children to prepare kids to succeed in reading, in school, and in learning. The library offers a “music and movement” storytime for kids ages 0-5 every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and a weekly “LEGO and building club” for kids ages 6-12 every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Caregivers can also check out “early learning backpacks,” small packs for kids ages 1-3 or 3-8, which contain books, toys, and suggested activities—Lund said she’s received many comments about the usefulness of the packs, because often caregivers can’t afford to purchase many new books and toys for their children.

“For our youngest patrons, learning is really all about play,” Lund said. The library also puts out a monthly “early learning calendar,” aimed at caregivers of children ages 0-5, which suggests a new activity each day. 

The library is also still offering its “Kids Café,” a partnership with the Utah Food Bank. Anyone under the age of 18 can receive a free brown bag meal from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every day except Sunday (when the library is closed). 

More information on library events and programs can be found at www.GrandCountyUtah.net/286/Library. Read part two of the series next week, when we talk to staff at Back of Beyond Books about their reading recommendations. 

Author: Ali Harford

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