BCPL

News release

Each summer, the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) offers an 8-week literacy program for all ages that includes reading challenges, prizes, and fun programs to participate in. This year, summer reading will be a hybrid program with many virtual and some in-person events, scavenger hunts and field trips, plus numerous take-and-make activities.

With over 50 free events to choose from, there is something for everyone. The summer fun kicks off on Tuesday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “Tails & Tales Summer Reading Kick Off” event in the Library Park. Patrons can stop by the library to pick up an events calendar, a Book Buddy plush reading pal, and a frozen treat. It is also a great time for new patrons to sign up for a library card.

This summer the library is once again using the online platform called Beanstack to track reading progress, host reading challenges, and conduct prize drawings. “Beanstack is an easy-to-use, dynamic software that gamifies reading, making it very appealing to young readers by unlocking fun badges as kids log their reading,” says Young Adult Services Librarian Bretton Smith.

Summer reading isn’t just for kids, however. All ages can register to participate. This year the reading challenge is to read for 10 days and log reading progress on Beanstack. After reading enough days to complete the challenge, participants will win a free book of their choice from the library’s prize book selection, plus earn raffle tickets to enter drawings for one of the prize bundles.

Participants are encouraged to continue reading beyond their first challenge completion because the more times a person completes the reading challenge, the more free books they’ll earn and the more chances they’ll have to win one of the prize bundles at the end of the summer. Prize bundles include art packs, board games, LEGO sets, Melissa & Doug items, Disney items, outdoor games, grilling accessories, and more.

Photos of the prize bundles can be found online at BoylePubLib.org/SummerReading. For a closer look, many prize items are on display in the library lobby.

Summer reading activities and special events are numerous. In addition to the Kick-off, upcoming events include Storytime with Ms. Libby (both virtual and in-person) on Tuesdays beginning June 1; Newport Aquarium’s “The Science of Sharks” (a virtual special event) on Thursday, June 3 at 1 p.m.; and virtual ukulele lessons on Fridays beginning June 4.

The library currently has a collection of eight ukuleles which are available for checkout at the circulation desk for an extended period of time.

Some of the special events, including The Science of Sharks, require registration to attend. Information on how to register for this and other events is available on the library’s website and Facebook pages.

Free hands-on activities are a fun way to get involved this summer and include Crafting for Keeps, Family Fun Kits, DIY, and Take & Make kits. Some of the summer activities will be held in-person, such as weekly storytimes and visits from the Humane Society.

However, since planning for the summer reading program began more than six months ago during a time of great uncertainty, the decision to plan a “mostly virtual” summer reading program was made. Virtual programs will be hosted from the library’s website BoylePubLib.org and social media, as well as via Zoom. Participants can subscribe to the Boyle County Public Library YouTube channel, and follow their Facebook pages: The Boyle County Public Library and Boyle County Public Library Children’s Programming.

Participation in the Summer Reading Program through Beanstack begins on June 1, but patrons can join the program any time from June 1 to July 31. All events are free and open to the public.

Stop by the library to pick up a summer activities calendar and to view the prize bundles. For more information on how to register and to download a calendar of events, visit BoylePubLib.org/SummerReading.

Information about all upcoming activities can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Curbside pickup is also available. In addition, free WiFi is available in the library parking lot 24/7. Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-8398.