For immediate release May 22, 2017:
Douglas County Libraries’ 2017 Readers @ Play Summer Reading Program is a carnival for the mind! The program kicks off at all seven library locations on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The kickoff parties include arts and crafts, games, face painting, photo ops, and themed Storytimes for children. And when readers sign up for the program, which runs through July 31, they’ll also receive sign-up gifts.
The annual reading program is for all ages. For kids and teens, it’s a great way to strengthen reading skills and continue building literacy. This year’s program has a community goal of 4 million minutes of reading time between June 3 and July 31:
- For children 12 and under, the goal is 720 minutes of reading. Kids can pick up reading logs to track their minutes at the kickoff parties or they may track their time online. Once they reach the midway point (at 360 minutes), they’re eligible to receive free prizes at their library. And once they complete all 720 minutes, they can receive a free book (while supplies last)!
- For ages 13-plus, the goal is 900 minutes of reading. Teens and adults can track their reading and finish online. When the 900-minute goal is reached, finishers will be entered into a drawing to win a valuable gift card.
Douglas County Libraries is hosting several Play! events over the summer in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program.
- LEGO Amusement Park: Bricks 4 Kidz teaches the mechanics of favorite amusement park rides, helps kids build carousel and swing rides, and much more.
- Band Practice: Kids can learn to play instruments in unison, as well as sing.
- Motion Madness: Discover Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion and then have fun with them!
- The Zoo Comes to You: Explore animal habitats and learn more from live animal and human guests from the Denver Zoo.
- Move Your Body: Test speed and agility with pros from Karate Denver and learn about martial arts.
Visit DCL.org/summer-reading for more information on event dates, times and registration, as well as Summer Reading Program details.
Volunteers Needed!
Douglas County Libraries is seeking volunteers of all ages to help with Summer Reading Program kickoff parties on Saturday, June 3, and throughout the summer. No special skills or prior experience is needed, and teens can earn community service credit toward graduation requirements. Volunteers will help with manning arts and crafts stations, games and snacks, as well as registering participants in the reading program. Interested volunteers can sign up via VolunteerConnectDC.org; search for a Douglas County Libraries location of choice.
For more information, call (303) 791-7323 or visit DCL.org. Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.