On June 15, “On Your Mark, Get Set … Read!” begins with the official summer reading/summer learning kick-off from noon to 2 p.m. on the Chelsea District Library lawn.
Children will have fun trying out fitness activities like martial arts from Chelsea ATA, and making their way through a “laser” maze. Games, crafts, a bounce house, karaoke, snow cones, and more will all be available at the library.
Following the kickoff will be a program in the McKune Room from Dynamic School Assemblies, called “Animals Around the World.” Meet all kinds of small animals like lizards, frogs, snakes, and even a skink, and learn about animal behaviors in different environments from 2-3 p.m. in the McKune Room.
Also, at the kickoff, the Chelsea Masons will be providing free child identification packages through their Michigan Child ID Program, which provides parents and guardians with a completed Child ID Package containing all the information necessary to expedite law enforcement efforts to locate a missing child. This program also helps to educate families about abduction prevention and safety. Come to KidSpot between noon and 2 p.m. to pick up your kit.
New this year, the library is introducing online registration for Summer Reading/Summer Learning. Everyone can visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org/srp and follow the prompts to register. Then, come to the kickoff (or visit the library any time after June 15) to pick up your reading log and start reading. Those who need help with registration are welcome to stop by the library any time after May 15.
The library is partnering with the Chelsea School District to make Summer Reading/Summer Learning a part of every Chelsea elementary school student’s summer activities.
Librarian Karen Persello, head of Youth and Teen Services, said that summer reading can make a big difference in preventing the “summer slide.”
“We send summer reading registration instructions and reading logs home with over 1000 students in order to raise awareness about how important it is for kids to keep reading and learning over the summer,” she said. According to a report from the National Summer Learning Association, many teachers spend time each fall re-teaching things their students forget over the summer.
The summer slide doesn’t just affect student reading skills, so the summer reading/summer learning program will again include a weekly Discovery Center featuring science projects, and take-home Challenge Cards that involve family participation and problem solving. The Science and Math Stations will also be back for younger children to take part in.
The library is also partnering with the Dexter District Library for a new program called Summer Munch Bunch, sponsored by Faith in Action. From June 20 – Aug. 5, kids and teens ages 3-17 can drop in for stories and nutritious snacks on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2-3 p.m. in the library’s Reading Garden.
The Summer Reading Program couldn’t happen without help from the many teen volunteers who take part in the “Youth Service Group” at the library. Edith Donnell, youth and teen librarian and coordinator of the youth service group, said that she loves the opportunities the teens get over the summer.
“Between running the Discovery Center and helping us with Summer Reading/Summer Learning events, our teen volunteers are learning leadership skills and giving back to their community in a meaningful way,” she said. “Last year we had over 80 teen volunteers and they were all eager to help out, so this year they’ll also assist with the Munch Bunch program,” Donnell added.
Many thanks go to Rick Taylor of Charles Reinhart Company and the Friends of the Chelsea District Library for being major sponsors of the program.
For more information, www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org/srp or call the Youth Information desk at 475-8732, ext. 4.
