Kids can get involved in the variety of reading activities from June 19 through August 12.
School’s almost out and kids of all ages are invited to put their vacation days to good use by participating in the Burlington County Library System’s 2017 Summer Reading Program and doing their part to help “Build a Better World.”
Kicking off Monday, June 19, the eight-week program encourages children and teens to track their reading progress, earn fun prizes and attend programs at all BCLS branches before heading back to class.
“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. We look forward to welcoming back last year’s participants and encourage those who haven’t previously participated to join in the fun.”
This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Build a Better World,” and kids will find plenty of ways to do their part from reading at home and at the beach to attending fascinating library programs about science, nature and more to help keep their minds sharp all summer long.
Once again, participants will be able to use “Beanstack,” the BCLS online tracking system, to log their reading progress, explore books lists and access activity guides customized for each age group and designed to encourage learning, curiosity and fun. Paper BCLS reading logs also will be available at each library branch.
Kids age 11 and under who register for their Beanstack accounts through the BCLS website and track their progress will earn virtual badges for reaching each reading milestone. For every 10 books a child ages five and under reads and every four hours a child ages 6 to 11 reads, one badge and one prize will be earned. Those who reach all the reading milestones will earn the most prizes, and all badges earned online may be redeemed at a library branch. Extra rewards may also be earned by completing the online activity tracks. In addition, kids ages 12 to 18 who play the new BCLS teen summer reading bingo game that encourages reading and tackling fun activities also will be eligible to earn library prizes.
The Burlington County Library System includes the Burlington County Library in Westampton, and the Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands and Riverton branches. For more information about the BCLS 2017 Summer Reading Program, contact Holly Hoskins at (856) 983–1444, Theresa Preziosa at (609) 893–8262, or Rosy Wagner at (609) 267–9660, or go to www.bcls.lib.nj.us
