Public libraries offer free summer programs with activities and prizes to promote reading and lifelong learning

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2023

Many libraries also serve as free summer meal sites for the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, which makes free healthy meals and snacks available to young people in communities with high rates of poverty.

CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, Georgia Public Library Service, dhakes@georgialibraries.org

Summer reading programs at Georgia’s public libraries offer creative, fun, and free ways to build a love for reading for all ages and abilities. This year’s theme is “All Together Now,” with the shared goals of promoting reading and building community. Libraries will offer a variety of beloved in-person traditions such as crafts, puppet shows, storytimes, and more. Libraries also offer prizes for meeting reading goals, in-person and online activities, and even opportunities to explore Georgia. 

“For Georgia’s families, the public library is an incomparable community space for fun summer outings as they enjoy free educational and cultural enrichment activities,” said Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker. “Each of our public libraries offers a robust and community-focused summer reading program in every county.

Libraries will bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as puppet or magic shows, STEAM activities, gardening, and even cooking demonstrations. Be sure to check your local library’s schedule to join them in their summer kickoff and take advantage of these fun opportunities. 

Families also can plan activities together by checking out one of the GPLS partnership passes available at all public libraries. These passes offer free or reduced admission to places like Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, Zoo Atlanta, the Go Fish Center, and much more. 

In addition to traditional paper reading logs, all families have access to Beanstack, a digital platform that not only helps kids keep track of their reading, but also allows them to earn badges by engaging in a wide variety of engaging outdoor and indoor activities.

Many public libraries also serve as meal or snack sites for the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, which makes free healthy meals and snacks available to young people in communities with high rates of poverty.

Summer reading programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates. Learn more about summer reading at the library at www.georgialibraries.org/summer-reading

Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled to offer an inclusive Summer Reading Program

The Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) is inviting registered patrons of all ages to participate in an inclusive summer reading program, which will take place from June 1- Aug. 4, 2023. Participants will earn points by reading books, attending library programs, and exploring different activities at home and in the community. Prizes and other incentives will be given out throughout the program.

GLS will host a virtual kickoff on Zoom on June 1 and an in-person kickoff at the Decatur Library on June 8. Both events will feature a performance by Babatunde the Griot (storyteller), who uses imagination, audience engagement, and rhythmic accompaniment from djembes to masterfully weave stories laden with strong moral values, keen principles, adventure, and fun.

Everyone is welcome to attend the kickoff events, but only GLS patrons can participate in the GLS summer reading program. Staff will be on hand to register individuals for GLS at the Decatur event. 

Details about activities and programs, along with suggested reading lists, will be provided upon registration. GLS will be offering an exciting lineup of virtual author talks and storytimes organized by National Library for the Print and Blind Disabled, in addition to the in-person and virtual programs offered just for Georgians. Adults, teens, and kids of all ages can find something to enjoy.

To learn more and register, visit https://gls.georgialibraries.org/summer-reading-program, call 800-248-6701, or email gls@georgialibraries.org.

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Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. www.georgialibraries.org 

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