Summer Reading Program Begins!

Mid-Columbia Libraries’ annual Summer Reading Program kicks off on Monday, June 1.  The three-month program will provide fun for all ages, with high-energy special events featuring Valentines Performing Pigs, the Academy of Children’s Theatre, Seattle’s children’s music sensation Recess Monkey, renowned local kids’ musician Eric Herman, celebrated Spokane kids’ poet Kenn Nesbitt, and art events by Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Corrine Johnson. 

The program, with major sponsorship from Friends of Mid-Columbia Libraries, Columbia Center Rotary, Pasco-Kennewick Rotary Club, and Kennewick Masonic Lodge No. 153, rewards kids and teens who complete 15 hours of reading or listening to books.  It motivates local children and teens to enjoy books by offering recommended reading lists, bookmark and writing contests, and free events. 

Children and teens who complete the 15-hour requirement will receive a Finisher’s Certificate, a free book, gift certificates from local businesses, and the chance to win prizes awarded at their local branch’s Finisher Party. 

Two readers will win Grand Prize Getaways to Silverwood Theme Park, sponsored by Friends of Mid-Columbia Libraries.  Other local Friends groups also sponsor the program at their respective branches.

This year, the children’s theme is “Be Creative @ your Library” and the teens’ theme is “Express Yourself @ your Library.”  All Summer Reading Program events and activities will focus on exploring creativity and enjoying reading.  For more information, customers can visit the children’s and teens' Summer Reading Program webpages. 

MORE: There is no cost to participate in the Summer Reading Program.  Customers should register for some events through their local library branches.  Event listings are posted online at: http://www.midcolumbialibraries.org/event_cal. 

Mid-Columbia Libraries enriches our communities by empowering individuals with materials and services for life-long learning and growth, starting at birth. With eleven libraries and a Bookmobile, Mid-Columbia Libraries has provided our region with excellence in library services for 60 years. For more information, go to: www.midcolumbialibraries.org.

- ### -