Queen Anne’s County Free Library Launches Summer Reading Program
Queen Anne’s County Library’s annual summer reading program begins on June 1 and continues through July 31. This year’s “Libraries Rock!” program features activities and incentives for babies, children, teens, and adults. In 2017, more than 1600 children and teens participated in the library’s summer reading clubs.
In celebration of this year’s reading theme, Paul Reed Smith has donated an SE 245 electric guitar in whale blue, which retails for $679. Registered summer readers from ages 5 through adult can enter to win each day they visit the library in June and July.
Children from birth through age 10 will receive a program guide with calendars for the month of June and July. When children read for 15 minutes a day, visit the library, attend a library event, or complete any literacy activity, they will color a bubble on their calendars. Calendars can be returned at the end of July in exchange for a new, free book to keep.
The first children to register will receive a Libraries Rock! t-shirt featuring Sneaks the Library Cat, while supplies last. The shirts are provided by the Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library, a non-profit group dedicated to supporting the goals and programs of the library.
Each time they read two books, or attend a library event, rising 6th-12th graders can enter to win $25 gift cards to Amazon and the grand prize Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 camera. A program guide, prize entry forms, and stress ball are included with registration. All participating teens may choose a new, free book at the end of July.
Adults can be reading rock stars, too! Pick up the adult summer reading brochure to discover a schedule of events, music-themed book suggestions, and an entry form to win a $50 gift certificate to the Avalon Theatre in Easton. Registered adult summer readers are also encouraged to submit entries daily to win a variety of prizes given away in bi-weekly drawings.
Preschool events include story times, Mother Goose on the Loose, Bouncing Babies, finger painting, and a stuffed animal sleepover.
School-age events include hands-on science experiments, crafts, Read to Rover, Fancy Nancy tea party, and several musical activities.
Family events include a visit from Reptile Wonders, juggling with storyteller Chris Fascione, musical movies, crafts, concerts, and Pokemon Trading Card Game Club.
Events for teens include Dungeons & Dragons, Cupcake Wars, teen hangout with pizza, and teen writers.
Events for adults include musical and rock themed crafts, yoga and meditation classes, book clubs, trivia nights, and a Hamilton sing-along.
One young reader will win a family pack of tickets to an August Orioles game and a trip onto the field for a pre-game ceremony. One reader per branch will win 4 tickets to the Maryland Science Center. Several children countywide will win LEGO kits, science kits, and other educational toys and art supplies in bi-weekly drawings. Children may submit entry forms each time they visit the library during summer reading.
Event calendars for all ages can be viewed online at calendar.qaclibrary.org. Some events require advance registration, most of which open on June 1 for children’s events. All library programs are free of charge.
This summer’s children’s events are sponsored by the Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library. Additional support comes from the Maryland State Library Agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Baltimore Orioles, the Maryland Science Center, Hardee’s, Soistman Family Dentistry & Associates, Christ Episcopal Church Day School, Brazilian United Soccer Academy, Aqua Swimming & Training, Bellies, Babies & Beyond, 721 on Main, and Paul Reed Smith Guitars.
For more information, please contact the Centreville Branch, 121 S. Commerce St. and the Kent Island Branch Library, 200 Library Circle, Stevensville. Additional information is available at the library’s website (www.qaclibrary.org) or by calling (410) 758-0980 or (410) 643-8161.