Planning the county library system summer reading program are the head of youth services Stephanie Smith (left to right), adult services librarian Alicia Cerone and head of adult services Nancy Polhamus.
Free, two-month program encourages lifelong learning
The Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) is offering the chance for children, teenagers and adults to expand their horizons through a summer reading program that begins on Saturday, June 24.
“It’s all free,” said the library system’s head of youth services, Stephanie Smith. “We have 300 to 400 children participating at the Mullica Hill branch every summer. In the six branches, we have well over 1,000.”
The program also offers special events for children and parents, like a show with circus tricks and Digger and David, an entertainment dog puppet and human team.
Adult Services librarian Alicia Cerone looks forward to the family concert night on July 17 that will feature a pianist playing “Disney-inspired” songs.
“t will be quite entertaining and enjoyable for children and adults alike,” she noted, adding that the program’s activities align with its theme this year, “All Together Now.”
The summer reading program is designed to encourage reading and lifelong learning, as well as to provide activities for the whole community. Participants in the program will also track their reading progress and can earn weekly prizes.
The GCLS offers the program at all of its six branches: Mullica Hill, Logan, Glassboro, Greenwich, the Newfield Library and the Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library.
As for the students, Smith said summer reading keeps them engaged in learning and helps them improve their skills.
“Reading is very important,” she noted. “They can experience the ‘summer slide’ when school gets out.”
One benefit of the reading program is that participants don’t have to follow a lesson plan and can read about things that interest them.
“We let them find something they enjoy,” Smith said. “Teenagers really like the graphic novels.”
Teen librarian Crysta Miller runs the program for ages 13 to 17. It includes book and film clubs for high-school students and activities like game nights.
Adult participants can select books and write paper logs about what they read the previous week, Cerone said.
Head of adult services Nancy Polhamus noted that adult computer literacy classes will be offered for six weeks from Wednesday, July 12, to Thursday, Aug. 17.
“We teach basic computer skills and workforce skills,” she said, including how to write resumes and tips for interviews.
Polhamus and Cerone told the story of one library patron who had moved away from his family and friends and could only write letters to them.
“His friends all kept in contact by email, and he felt left out,” Polhamus recalled.
“When he learned how to email, he was so happy,” Cerone added.
The summer reading program will continue through Saturday, Aug. 5. For information, visit www.gcls.org or call the library system’s main branch in Mullica Hill at (856) 223-6050.
