Summer Reading runs until July 31 with activities and events at John McIntire Library and each of the five Muskingum County Library System (MCLS) branches. All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. To register for summer reading visit muskingumlibrary.beanstack.org to get started. Registration can also be done in person at any MCLS location.
MCLS hosted a Family Reading Festival at John McIntire Library on June 1 to kick-off Summer Reading. The event utilized nearly every inch of the library (inside and out) with activities, games, and special appearances from The Ghost Busters, Bluey, Pete the Cat, Bard the Bunny, and of course Hoobert. Tables were set up at the event by around 50 organizations such as the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department all providing useful information and access to resources within the community.
“One of the best things about summer reading is how it brings our community together. It allows us to host unique programs that aren’t possible during the busy school year. Each summer, new people discover the library, attend our events, and join the Summer Reading Challenge. I love welcoming so many people to the library and hearing how much summer reading has meant to them and their families over the years,” said Haley Shaw, MCLS Youth Services Manager.
Additional kick-off events took place at each of the five branches all offering various activities extending the celebration to South Zanesville, New Concord, Dresden, Duncan Falls, and Roseville making it a week-long summer reading extravaganza! New Concord Branch Library offered refreshments, games, prizes, an appearance from Pete the Cat, and activities. South Branch Library had the SZPD onsite for a bike safety program, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics gave free bicycle helmets to kids, and there was also a chance to win a free bike. Dresden Branch Library had storytime, video games, outdoor games, and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department provided activities for children and adults to educate them on the effects of smoking and vaping. Games, giveaways, hotdogs, chips, an obstacle course, storytime, and a guest presenter were all part of the fun at Duncan Falls/Philo Branch Library. Roseville Branch Library treated attendees to an ice cream truck, bubbles, corn hole, clay-making demonstrations, face painting, and the Roseville Fire Department was there to cool off kids with water from the firehose! Every library had games and additional activities some provided by Y on the Fly as well as plenty of MCLS staff available to help with getting families signed up for summer reading. All kick-off events offered free family fun for everyone and were the perfect beginning to the Library’s 2024 Summer Reading program.
“This year’s summer reading kick-offs were a huge success! Across all six of our events, we welcomed 2,197 people and registered 400 participants for summer reading. Each kick-off featured something special, from food trucks and fireside storytimes to exciting presenters, beloved book characters, and an abundance of books. Our communities came together to celebrate our libraries, reading, and the exciting events and opportunities this summer holds!,” explained Stephanie Freas, MCLS Assistant Director.
There is still time to join in on Summer Reading. Here’s how it works, log qualifying activities you complete, books you’ve read, and library Summer Reading events you’ve attended to earn digital raffle tickets through the Beanstack app. Tickets can be redeemed for various grand prizes including a Samsung tablet, camping tent, $150 Riesbeck’s gift cards, Nintendo Switch Lite with games, Escape Room in a box, Bluetooth Headphones, Lego Creator set, COSI pass for two, and more! Milestone prizes are also being awarded for points earned (30, 150, 400, 650, 1000, and 2500) through the Beanstack app. Prizes can be collected by stopping by any MCLS location upon reaching each milestone. Supplies are limited so be sure to stop by soon after completing each one! A completion prize of a free book for children to keep or a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library Bookstore will also be available at any MCLS location and can be picked up after completing the Summer Reading Challenge.
“Summer reading is an exciting time of year at the library, and being a part of summer reading is a fun way to connect with a community of readers. The most important thing for me is to make sure people know that summer reading is open to all ages. This is not just because we want our established readers to join in the fun but because we know that little readers are more likely to come from houses full of big readers. And ultimately, summer reading is here to help improve and maintain literacy throughout our community. So, I invite everyone, regardless of age or reading level, to register and participate in summer reading,” said Sean Fennell, MCLS Marketing & Community Relations Director.
For more information about the 2024 MCLS Summer Reading program visit muskingumlibrary.org/summerreading2024. For questions or assistance with registration call 740-453-0391 x115 or email beanstack@muskingumlibrary.org.
