The days are growing longer, the temperature is rising and around Atlanta it’s time to begin making plans for summer adventures for the whole family. Why not begin at your library? From babies and children to teens and adults, everyone is invited to participate in the many exciting summer reading activities at your branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.
Explore your library and discover the world. When you open the door of the library, or explore our website at www.afpls.org, you are opening a door to a world of free activities, programs, friends and, best of all, books for people of every age. Special Summer Reading activities at all library branches begin June 1 and run through August 1.
Children are full of enthusiasm and eager to learn, and this year’s theme of “Dig Into Reading” invites them to explore new fields of knowledge such as archeology or petrology (the study of rocks!), geology, gardening and much, much more. The adventure starts with books and reading and adds generous helpings of storytelling and craft programs, puppets, educational programs, music and art to encourage children to pursue their many interests. Children earn certificates when they complete the basic requirement of reading and recording ten different books, and are also entered into a drawing for a grand prize, a Kindle Fire tablet.
Babies can spend the summer enjoying early literacy activities with the help of their families, such as listening to a nursery rhyme or poem and going on a walk with Mom or Dad and hearing new words. Their accomplishments earn special certificates for these youngest library users.
The teen’s Summer Reading Program with its theme of “Beneath the Surface” features a variety of programs designed for this age group. Many teen readers fulfill their school summer reading requirements by reading titles on school lists, then move on to explore some recreational reading. Teens are challenged to read at least five books during the summer to be entered into a drawing for a Kindle Fire tablet.
Displays, booklists and programs for adult library users highlight the 2013 theme of “Groundbreaking Reads.”
While libraries are truly 24-7, year-round resources, many people find that they rediscover their community library each summer. Libraries provide a safe, educational place for children and families to socialize and learn. Numerous studies have demonstrated that students who read during the summer retain their academic skills over the summer break, and are prepared to jump into the challenges of the next school year. For others, summer reading is the time when a busy schedule of assigned reading eases and lifetime habit of recreational reading can develop. Busy families enjoy meeting neighbors at library events, and can be confident that there’s something for everybody at the library.
Libraries are rich with resources for everyone, and all these resources are available at no cost! In the summer of 2012 over 17,000 individuals of all ages joined the Summer Reading Program at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. This year promises to be filled with even more opportunities and fun! The sign-up forms are available at every library branch, and are distributed at schools throughout Fulton County. We look forward to seeing you in our libraries this summer.
