Summer Reading Program to return at Sanibel library
The Sanibel Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program will kick off with a celebration.
“Island Adventures: Summer Reading Journey through Sanibel” will run from June 1 through July 25, featuring engaging guests, fun activities, a scavenger hunt, art contest, prizes and more for all ages.
Director Amber Cox reported that libraries have been offering summer reading programs since the 1890s. Studies have found a negative loss in reading skills over the summer in youths, called the summer slide, so the programs encourage daily reading habits and help to promote lifelong literacy.
“They are less likely to experience that summer learning loss,” she said of children who read over the long summer break before returning to school. “And we need to be able to read to succeed in life.”
Cox added that when adults read, it demonstrates to youths and teens that reading is important.
This year’s program is open to all ages: 0-5, 6-12, 13-17, and 18 and older.
“We have four separate reading challenges based on age,” she said.
A Summer Reading Kickoff Party will take place on May 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. Attendees will have the chance to sign up for the program, with a shot at bonus registration prizes.
“There is going to be a lot of fun activity stations set up,” Cox said.
There will be a mix of jumbo board games, a dino toss, mini golf and more to take part in, along with creation stations and hands-on activities for kids, teens and adults. Food and drinks will be supplied.
“We’re looking forward to just a really fun party atmosphere,” she said.
Throughout the summer, the library will host a range of programs, speakers and presentations.
“We’re excited to welcome a group called Drum Life. We’re going to welcome back Adam’s Animal Encounters,” Cox said, adding that there will be magician Cesar Domico, the Australian-themed Didgeridoo Down Under Show, master storyteller Windell Campbell and more.
Neighbor partners, like the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), will join special Storytimes.
A new adult program — sort of like a book club — will take place on the first Fridays at 3 p.m.
“It’s a chance to share what you’ve currently been reading and to build up your next read list,” she said.
There will be an island-themed scavenger hunt again, with all of last summer’s participating organizations excited to take part. The map for the hunt will be available at all of the locations.
“They have brand-new challenge questions for everybody,” Cox said.
“There will be small prizes for people who complete the scavenger hunt,” she added.
The bookmark art contest will also return, but be open to adults, too.
“We will select by the age groups,” Cox said of the winning bookmark entries for the design contest. “They will have their design printed on limited edition bookmarks for all library patrons to enjoy.”
Additional fun weekly activities will include Family Storytime on Tuesdays and Fridays and Crafternoon on Wednesdays, along with a Family Movie Night that is scheduled for June.
Supported by the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the “Read for Others” initiative is also back.
“We are very appreciative that year after year the Sanibel Public Library Foundation continues to show such strong support of reading for the Sanibel community and its commitment to supporting the Read for Others initiative,” Cox said.
For every 250 minutes read by a program participant, they will earn a book for themselves and one donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Once they reach 1,000 minutes, they will be entered into a raffle for some grand prizes, with extra entries possible for additional minutes.
“We have some great books for all ages,” she said of the selections available to earn. “But adults, I think, will be really excited to see the types of books that we have available to them.”
As for this year’s grand prizes, they will focus on experiences.
“A number of our island neighbors are being generous and donating,” Cox said.
The community is invited to participate.
“Reading is incredible,” she said. “It is great for brain development in children — words are building blocks. Reading also builds empathy and curiosity.”
For adults, reading can slow down the decline of memory, or cognitive health.
“It keeps the mind sharp throughout life,” Cox said.
Registration for the program will officially open on May 30.
Participants can register at the library or online at https://sanlib.beanstack.com/.
For more information, visit https://sanlib.org/ or call 239-472-2483.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.