Readers of all ages are encouraged to add a little color to their summer by joining The Library’s “Reading Colors Your World” Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge kicks off on June 1 and ends on August 31. Pre-registration opened on May 1. Sign up by visiting dcls.org/src, then browse the online and pop-up programs happening all summer long.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is completed by earning points through reading and completing activities. The Library’s 2021 community-wide goal is to earn 200,000 points. Challenge members can log minutes, books, or activities through the Beanstack website (dcls.beanstack.org), Beanstack Tracker app, or on a paper log available at all eight Dauphin County Library System locations.
How to complete the challenge depends on each reader’s age group:
- Preschoolers (5 years and younger) complete the challenge by earning 100 points. Each book read earns the reader 5 points. Preschoolers who read and log just 20 books complete the challenge. Points can also be earned by creating a picture review of the books read. Young readers enrolled in The Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge can log the same book for both challenges.
- School-aged kids and teens (5 to 18 years) complete the challenge by earning 200 points. Log the time spend reading or books read, complete activities, and write reviews to earn points. Special “super activities” will be shared each week to help readers earn points faster.
- Adults (18 years and older) complete the challenge by earning 30 points. Readers who read and log one book a month and write a review for each one will complete the challenge.
Preschoolers, kids, and teens who complete at least half their reading challenge can pick up an “Explore Your Community” bag starting on July 1. Explore Your Community bags contain coupons and freebies from local businesses and organizations throughout Dauphin County. Enjoy bowling at ABC North Lanes, a safari tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, a child’s admission at Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, free popcorn at Twin Valley Players Colonnade, a round of golf at The Meadows Original Frozen Custard, and more. The bags make exploring the community more affordable for families of readers.
Starting on August 1, preschoolers, kids, and teens who complete the challenge and adults who earn at least 10 points can pick up a free book to keep at any library location. Everyone who completes the challenge by August 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket with local treats from the surrounding community of each library. There are nine baskets for kids, nine for teens and nine for adults. Readers can earn additional entries by continuing to read and log beyond their challenge goals.
Meet The Library’s Author and Illustrator in Residence: Amy June Bates
The Library’s author and illustrator in residence, Amy June Bates, will host family programs where kids can learn how to draw, color and even make a book. Attendees will get to talk with her about her books, the process she uses to write and illustrate them, and get a peek inside her home studio. Families who attend a program with Amy June Bates will receive a copy of her book, The Big Umbrella, to keep.
Summer Programs: Online and outdoor pop-up programs
Most summer programming will be held online this summer. Join us from anywhere for Cartooning in Color with Joe Wos, Music Play Patrol: African Drum Circle, Color Yoga with Peaceful Poses Yoga for Kids, and more. Most online programs will be held through Zoom.
Outdoor pop-up programs are planned across Dauphin County too. Most programs require registration. Find and register for upcoming summer programs by visiting dcls.org/src. Registrants will be emailed a link and instructions explaining how to join before each program.
The Library’s “Reading Colors Your World” Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Dauphin County Library System, Mid Penn Bank, M&T Bank, UGI Utilities, S&T Bank, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Library Association, and Weis Markets. Learn more about The Library’s Summer Reading Club at dcls.org/src.
Dauphin County Library System provides county residents with free access to virtually any materials imaginable, both current and ageless. It offers books, movies, music, magazines, online access, people to help with research and programs that support personal and community growth. The library is the place to satisfy your curiosity. To learn more about The Library visit dcls.org. Getting a card is free – just bring your driver’s license or other proof of residence to any of the eight libraries or register online at dcls.org.
