(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shannon Powers for the information in this story.)
June is one of our favorite times of the year at the Chelsea District Library (CDL), as we kick off the Summer Reading Program.
This year’s theme is Reading Colors Your World, where people of all ages are encouraged to read widely and diversely, to get outside and explore our colorful, natural world, and to engage in safe activities that celebrate the art and culture you can find all around our town.
The Summer Reading Program officially starts on the last day of school for the Chelsea School District, June 10, and wraps up on July 31, but the fun starts now.
Readers who sign up early will get a chance to win extra prizes. Visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org/srp to sign up today. Participants of all ages, from babies to senior citizens, can complete the program entirely online using Beanstack, CDL’s summer reading software. (Not computer savvy? A paper reading log can be found in the CDL summer newsletter and also at the library. Call a librarian for assistance at 734-475-8732 x219.)
Beginning June 10, readers can begin logging hours and earning valuable drawing tickets for prizes including books and prize packs designed to support our local economy. Looking for more ways to win? Complete the activity badges in Beanstack. Not only will you improve your odds of winning, you will have fun doing it.
CDL is proud to offer grand prizes designed to entice even the most reluctant of readers, and many which support local businesses. Youth grand prizes include a $300 gift card to Aberdeen Bike Shop, a family membership to Greenfield Village, a rock tumbling kit, a reading fort with a Squishmallow from Kitty Face, and more.
Teen grand prizes include a music pack, a Dungeons & Dragons pack supplied by Secret Crisis Comics, a Target gift card, a calligraphy kit, and others.
Adult grand prizes include $50 gift cards to Common Grill, Serendipity Books, Garden Mill, Smokehouse 52, Bumble’s Dry Goods, the Lakehouse Bakery, and Agricole, and a $55 gift card to Breathe Yoga.
These gifts are made possible in part through the generosity and support of the Friends of the Chelsea District Library, Spad’s Twisters, Zou Zou’s Cafe, and Kitty Face.
In the spirit of this year’s summer reading theme, Reading Colors Your World, and as part of this year’s Rec It Tuesday series, CDL will also be offering several take-home kits. Explorer Kits for kids and teens will be available at the library on June 15 from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. while supplies last.
These kits are chock full of crafts, activities, and a scavenger hunt to encourage kids, teens, and families to hit the trails. Share photos of your Explorer Kit experiences on CDL’s social media pages using #CDLExplorerkits.
And Chalk Art Kits will be available for pickup on Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. while supplies last. They include sidewalk chalk, stencils, and even a recipe for homemade chalk paint: everything you need to color your world this summer. Snap a pic of your creation to share on CDL’s social media using #CDLchalkart. These Rec It Tuesday kits are offered in partnership with the Chelsea Area Friends for Recreation.
As we explore the colors of our world, we cannot forget the stunning display as sunset fades into night. But nighttime does not mean an end to your CDL summer of exploration.
Celebrate the darkness—and twinkling lights—of the night sky with Dark Sky Education Kits, available when you sign up for any of our Summer Sky Watch programs.
Tales from a Closet Astronomer on June 21 at 7 p.m. features past president of the American Astronomical Society Megan Donahue sharing hot tips on enjoying the night sky. Zoom in to Dark Sky Watch with Michigan Dark Skies on July 12 and learn about how adjusting outdoor lighting can make a huge impact on nature. Enjoy Summer Sky watch on your own or with friends and be sure to share your photos of the night sky with #CDLdarksky.
Whether you’d like to learn more about the Summer Reading Program, the Explorer Kits, or any of the many other library events and activities this summer, you can contact a librarian at [email protected] or 734-475-8732 x219, and check out our event calendar by visiting www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org and selecting Events, Event Calendar and Registration.
