Summer Reading begins June 3 at Aurora Public Library
AURORA – Tradition repeats itself this summer when the Summer Reading Program kicks off June 3 at all Aurora Public Library locations, including the Bookmobile.
According to the American Library Association, Summer Reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children, particularly those in urban areas and not needed for farm work, to read and use the library during summer vacation.
This year's theme, Dig Into Reading, was chosen to go along with the Aurora Public Library's new Main Library building program, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 1. Book logs to keep track of participants' reading of books, magazines, newspapers or audiobooks will be available at all library locations on June 3.
The Summer Reading Program is not just for kids, and it's not just for readers! Even children who are too young to read can take part with their parents or caregivers. The “Raise a Reader” program, for children who do not read on their own, is full of activities that adults and children can do together to strengthen early literacy skills. After completing activities, like visiting the library, making letters out of play dough and cuddling while reading, children will receive prizes. Some of the prizes for the youngest group of readers are growth charts, bookmarks and board books.
The “I Read” program is for younger readers through fifth grade. This age group keeps track of the number of hours they read. After six hours, they get a prize! Prizes include paint sheets, books, and kids' meals from Choo-Choo's Restaurant in Aurora. As they continue reading, they earn more prizes.
Teens (grades 6 through 12) can keep track of their reading for prizes as well. Prizes for teens include Sugar Grove Family Fun coupons, sticky note bookmarks and book lights.
Adults can participate by reading or listening to four books before Aug. 10. Prizes for adults include sticky note bookmarks and thermal lunch bags. New this year, adults will be able to register online for summer reading. Watch the library's website, aurorapubliclibrary.org, for information.
Two special Dig Into Reading programs for all ages are planned for this summer as well. Magician Dennis DeBondt will present his “Very Funny Magic” program at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. Call 630-264-4123 to register, as seating is limited.
Dinosaur Discoveries is set for 2 p.m. Friday, June 28 at the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road. Children will be able to take a look at the prehistoric giants that still baffle the scientific world. Seating is limited for this program as well. Call 630-264-4123 to register. Both programs are free.
Each library location has contests for the varying age groups, which include “Guess How Many?” jars and activity sheets.
New this summer is another location to pick up book logs and prizes. The Express Center, which opened last fall, is located at 1100 Church Road (at the corner of Edison Avenue). The Express Center has new hours beginning June 1. They are: Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Express Center will be closed on Fridays and Sundays. All Aurora Public Library locations are closed on Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Participants can visit any library location or the Bookmobile to pick up book logs or prizes. To see all the summer events planned at your Aurora Public Library, go to www.aurorapubliclibrary.org and click on “Events.”