Summer break is finally here and with it comes the start of the Summer Reading Program. Each year, the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) offers an 8-week literacy program for all ages that includes reading challenges, prizes, and fun activities to participate in. This year the theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.” Throughout the summer, ocean-inspired programs will be held at BCPL and at the Jennie Rogers Community Center (JRCC). With 100 free events to choose from, there is something for everyone.

The summer fun kicks off at the library on Wednesday, June 1 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party. Patrons can stop by to enjoy an evening of fun and games, plus live music. Food trucks will also be on site for anyone wanting to purchase a snack. Free activities include a live performance by Soul Revue, a princess Meet & Greet with the Little Mermaid, Bayou Princess, and Island Princesses, inflatable games, and ocean-themed temporary tattoos. Patrons can pick up an events calendar and a Book Buddy plush reading pal, while supplies last. 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 users log their reading. 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 earn 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. Prizes include art packs, board games, LEGO sets, Shaker Village passes (courtesy of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill), a drone, a coffee bundle (courtesy of Dry Stack Coffee and The Hub Coffee House), a giant stuffed penguin, and more. Photos of all 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 events are numerous and include interactive shows, book clubs, crafts, and STEM activities. New this year are Thursday FunDays, which will be held at the Jennie Rogers Community Center gymnasium. All ages are invited to JRCC every Thursday morning at 10:30 AM in June and July to experience these special performances. Each week will feature something different such as musical guests, animal shows, magic shows, live theater, dance, and more. ASL interpretation will be available at these events. The Bookmobile will also be on site so attendees can check out materials before and after the show. The first performance, “Sound Explorers,” will be held on June 2. At this event, guests will hear 20 different instruments in a fun concert then get a closer look with an instrument petting zoo.

On Friday evenings beginning June 10, the fun continues with Starlight Movie Nights. This summer movie series features a pre-show party with games, themed activities, and food vendors from 7:30-9:00 PM followed by a family-friendly film shown on a large screen outdoors. Guests can set out blankets or lawn chairs to settle in and watch a movie under the stars. The list of films is available on the library website. (Should inclement weather occur, the movie showing and free activities will be held inside the library). Other events this summer include a visit from the Honey Hill Farm Animal Petting Zoo, a 4-part fiction writing workshop for adults, a summer murder mystery, and fun events for teens held every Friday at 3:00 PM. Storytime with Ms. Libby will resume on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning June 6.

Many of these special events are made possible through community partnerships with Danville-Boyle County Parks & Rec and the Heart of Danville, and with generous financial contributions from the Friends of the Library and Corning Incorporated Foundation.

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 events can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is typically open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The library will also be open during Starlight Movie Nights. Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-8398.

The Boyle County Public Library serves the city of Danville and the surrounding communities, and is actively committed to enriching the lives of its patrons. The library is located at 307 West Broadway in Danville, KY.