Summer break is here, with the Summer Reading Program (SRP). Each year, the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) offers an 8-week literacy program for all ages including reading challenges, prizes, and fun activities to participate in. This year the theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Throughout the summer, adventure-themed programs will be held at BCPL and various locations around the community. With over 80 free events, there is something for everyone.

The summer fun kicks off at the library on Wednesday, May 29 from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party. Patrons can stop by to enjoy an evening of fun and games. Food trucks will also be on-site for anyone wanting to purchase a snack. Free activities include a bouncy house, temporary tattoos, inflatables, and outdoor games. Patrons can pick up an events calendar and a free book bag, while supplies last. It is also a great time for new patrons to sign up for a library card.

This summer the library is 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, appealing to young readers by unlocking fun badges as users log their reading. It helps users of all ages keep track of their reading habits and the rewards they have earned. It can also help reluctant readers see the fun in reading. Summer reading isn’t just for kids, however. All ages can register to participate. This year the reading challenge is to read for 12 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 and 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 a LEGO bundle, a dollhouse, a Toniebox Starter Set, an electric scooter, a 3D printer, an air fryer, an instant camera, a Nintendo Switch Lite, 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. This year, Thursday FunDays is held again at Gravely Hall (Danville High School) in June and at Boyle County Performing Arts Center (Boyle County Middle School) in July. All ages are invited every Thursday at 10:30 AM in June and July (except July 4th) to experience these special performances. Each week will feature something different such as musical guests, science shows, live animals, juggling, puppets, 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 for Thursday FunDays will be on June 6 with “Sound Explorers.” At this event, guests will hear 20 different instruments in a fun concert and then get a closer look at an instrument petting zoo. This is the third year the library has offered Thursday FunDays as part of the summer events.

“My favorite events of the summer are Thursday Fundays because it feels like throwing a party for our entire community,” said Kinsey Hisle, Youth Services Manager. All ages can enjoy this program series of family-friendly shows. “We have magicians, a juggler, a string band, puppets, stunt shows, and live animals! These shows are our way of making learning fun, entertaining, and engaging for all ages. Daycares, day camps, babysitters, grandparents, and more can all bring kids to these events making it a great weekly routine for them all summer.”

To reach more patrons in Boyle County, the bookmobile is increasing the number of public stops. Daniel Aken, the library’s Outreach Services Manager, shared what the Outreach department has planned for the summer. “We’re very excited to be debuting new bookmobile stops just in time for summer! In addition to many of the areas that we already service, we are adding eight new stops around the county that will hopefully be more convenient for patrons to visit. We will have items available for both those with and without library cards and will have prizes and activities as well,” said Aken. The Bookmobile will also appear at several special events, including Thursday FunDays, day camps, summer feeding programs, pop-up story times, and other community events. “We hope to have as many people as possible visit us over the next couple of months,” said Aken. The complete list of the bookmobile’s public stops can be found at the library and online at BoylePubLib.org/Outreach.

On Friday evenings beginning June 7, the fun continues with Starlight Movie Nights. This summer movie series features family-friendly films to be shown on a large screen in Library Park. Guests can come early at 8:00 PM for outdoor games, then set out blankets or lawn chairs to settle in with free popcorn and watch a movie under the stars. Movies start at dusk, which is typically around 9:00 PM. The list of films is available on the library website. (Should inclement weather occur, the movie showing and games will be held inside the library.)

Other events this summer include a visit from the Honey Hill Farm Animal Petting Zoo; a 4-part adventure fiction writing workshop plus other special events for adults; an adventure in arts series; weekly activities for kids; and the all-ages End-of-Summer Foam Party. Outdoor Storytime with Ms. Rachael will be held on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM beginning June 4.

Many of these special events are made possible through community partnerships with the Danville Schools, and Boyle County Schools, plus generous financial contributions and volunteer assistance from the Friends of the Library.

Participation in the Summer Reading Program through Beanstack begins on June 1, but patrons can join the program anytime 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 registering and downloading a calendar of events, visit BoylePubLib.org/SummerReading.

Information about all upcoming events can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is 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. Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-83985