Library system to kick off summer reading program
Children and adults are invited to “Unearth a Story” from June 1 through Aug. 1 as part of the Lee County Library System’s annual Summer Reading Program.
This year’s program will features numerous free library performances and an all-ages reading challenge with dinosaur and discovery-themed activities. Every child and teenager visiting the library this summer will be able to choose a free, new book, while supplies last.
The library system reported that the goal of the program is to make reading fun while nurturing and growing a lifelong love of reading and learning. Activities support efforts to prevent learning loss between school years for younger readers.
“The library is proud to offer a highly engaging summer reading experience that encourages every reader to explore the world around them and to develop new perspectives while fostering curiosity,” Library Director Mindi Simon said.
The program will provide both online and offline options, with challenges designed to tap into participants’ curiosity. All participants will be eligible for the end-of-summer drawings for prize baskets filled with age-appropriate books and art supplies.
As a bonus this year, ages 6-18 who complete the online or paper summer reading challenge will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels baseball game, courtesy of the Suncoast Credit Union.
The online option can be completed through the free READsquared app, with the ability to log time spent reading and complete missions, earning extra points along the way toward the completion goal. Online missions will be offered in four categories: birth to age 5, ages 6-11 years, ages 12-18 years, and adults, with content tailored to match each age group’s interests.
A paper-based reading challenge will be available inside the library branches. It will provide a fully offline alternative that mimics the online experience; it is also available in Spanish. Participants will round the bases as they read and complete tasks listed on the baseball-themed activity sheet.
Special events for all ages will take place in the branches throughout summer. This year’s featured library programs will include summer kickoff parties from now through June 6, followed by six weeks of programming introducing kids and teens to art workshops, theatrical dinosaur performances, and interactive science and magic presentations.
For more information, visit https://www.leegov.com/library/summer-reading-program.