BCLS fighting to help students stay active over summer break.
Schools are out for the summer, and for many students that means taking trips to the beach, soaking in the sun by the pool and enjoying sports leagues with friends. As for others, it could very well be sitting in the air conditioning, playing video games or watching television.
A great way for students to put their vacation time to good use is by taking part in the Burlington County Library System’s 2017 Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme, “Build a Better World,” kicked off on June 19 and will run through Aug. 12.
The eight-week program encourages children and teenagers to track their reading progress, earn fun prizes and attend many great programs at all BCLS branches before heading back to class in the fall.
”Our Summer Reading Program remains one of the library system’s most popular programs,” said Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes, the library system’s liaison. “Each year, children of all ages avoid the ‘summer slide’ by reading thousands of books and enjoying a variety of exciting programs at all eight of our library branches.”
This year’s theme will look to sharpen readers’ minds while they read about science, nature and many more topics. While also reading, the students can put that recently learned knowledge to good use by using it in the real world during the summer months.
To track their progress this summer, participants will be able to use “Beanstack,” the BCLS online tracking system that allows readers to log their reading progress, explore book lists and access activity guides that are customized for each age group. Children under age 11 can earn virtual badges for each hour of reading completed, while prizes may also be redeemed at the libraries branches. In addition, kids ages 12 to 18 can be eligible to earn library prizes after playing the BCLS Teen Summer Reading Bingo Game.
“It is a great way to reward students for the work they put in over the summer, especially when they may be balancing multiple activities,” BCLS Youth Services Coordinator Christina Nemphos said.
Besides just reading books, children and teenagers can participate in numerous workshops and events at the county’s branches. For the younger crowd, readers can experience plays, group reading sessions and shows involving animals.
Teenagers can participate in author Skype visits, summer lock-ins and writing workshops for writers of all levels. Prizes for participants in the summer reading program can either go home with books to keep or receive raffle baskets.
“Our theme gives a wide range of options to create programs, and also allows readers to explore ways to help our world progress,” Nemphos said.
The Burlington County Library System includes the Burlington County Library in Westampton and the Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands and Riverton branches, which allows a wide-range of children to become involved.
“With so many activities in today’s world, it is important to help foster reading in children’s lives. It allows students to remain fresh over the summer, and to always learn something new,” Nemphos said.
