"The (children) always get so excited about (the Summer Reading Program)," said Carol Wenger, who was recently promoted to youth and children's librarian at Pequea Valley Public Library (PVPL). "We have had great turnout. It's such a simple way to get (children) involved in learning about their world and all kinds of activities and media."
PVPL will kick off its Summer Reading Program on Saturday, June 1, when children may pick up their reading logs at the library, 31 Center St., Intercourse. The Salisbury Township Branch, located at 835 Houston Run Drive, Gap, will also take part in the program. All area residents who call PVPL or the Salisbury Branch their home library are welcome to take part. The theme for this year's program is "A Universe of Stories."
The Lancaster County Library System chose the theme because it provides an opportunity to highlight the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this summer, and a number of the activities will be focused on NASA. In addition, other topics designed to inspire children to dream, explore, and create will be scheduled.
According to Wenger, reading logs are divided into age groups. "We have different (requirements) for each age group," she explained, noting that a read-aloud log is available for children from birth to 4 years of age. Children ages 5 to 9 may work to complete a junior log. A special tweens log may be used by those ages 10 to 12, and teenagers, those ages 13 to 19, will have a log as well. "Each age group has different activities they need to complete, and when they complete them, they receive tickets for prizes from local businesses," explained Wenger.
Calling the prizes "some pretty cool things," Wenger noted that for the read-aloud group, coupons for a bounce house amusement, a fast-food chain, a local railroad attraction, and an illusion show will be among the prizes. Junior group prizes will include the read-aloud prizes, plus local pretzel and sandwich coupons and gift certificates to bowling alleys, local ice and roller rinks, miniature golf, and more. For tweens, coupons for comics, laser tag, and more will also be included, and for teenagers cupcakes, ice cream, and zipline coupons will be added to the other options. Special coupons for a local amusement park will also be available for those who complete five hours of reading.
In addition, a new Fitness Quest for 5- to 9-year-olds will encourage children in this age group to visit five Lancaster County parks. "There will be a booklet with fun activities (for them)," said Wenger.
Events associated with the Summer Reading Program that will be held in June include "The Spirit of Lindbergh" presented by Neill Hartley at PVPL on Thursday, June 13, at 11:15 a.m. The same program will be held at the Salisbury Branch on Wednesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. On Tuesday, June 18, "The Fabulous Franklin," based on Ben Franklin's wit and wisdom and presented by Family Stages, will be held at 11:15 a.m. at PVPL. The Franklin presentation will visit the Salisbury Branch on Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. Phredd's "Ukulele One Man Band" original music performance will be presented at PVPL only at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25.
Wenger mentioned that several of the programs will be geared to focus on space. "We have the North Museum in July doing the 'Mission to the Moon' program," noted Wenger, referencing a program that will be presented at PVPL on Tuesday, July 2, at PVPL at 10:30 a.m. In addition, the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation will present "Let's Take a Walk on the Moon" at PVPL on Tuesday, July 16, at 11:15 a.m. A full schedule of events at both libraries may be found at http://www.pvpl.org.
Wenger emphasized that to receive the prizes they have earned, children must return their completed logs to the PVPL by Saturday, Aug. 10. Readers who would like more information about PVPL may search for "Pequea Valley Public Library" on Facebook.
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