Summer Reading Registration is now open! Head to http://mcplib.org/summer-reading-2021-registration/ to sign up for the program!
Summer Reading is coming soon to Muhlenberg County Public Libraries!
Registration begins Monday, May 24 for the much beloved annual program.
The library is not holding in-person programs at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so this year’s “Tails and Tales” animal-themed Summer Reading Program will follow a similar format to last year’s program. Community members who sign up for the program will be able to participate in reading and activity challenges online or by using paper logs to keep track of their completed tasks.
The library will also offer virtual programming in the form of online themed videos and at least one live presentation by Mammoth Cave National Park. Patrons will also be eligible for prizes and giveaways based on their participation in the program.
Summer Reading is available for all ages, and each age group will have different challenges and activities in which to participate.
Library staff are working hard to get everything ready for Summer Reading. They plan to offer 3 virtual programs or presentations each week, including weekly virtual storytimes for children as well as video tours or presentations from other organizations for both children and adults.
The main focus of Summer Reading, of course, is to encourage community members to continue reading throughout the summer months, library director Janet Harris said. She said, “We want everyone to keep up with their reading all year long, not just during winter or during the school year.”
“Studies show that reading has a lot of benefits to our mental health, and we want everyone to experience those positive results.”
Summer Reading participants will be encouraged to read as much as possible and to keep track of their reading either online, using special tracking software called Reader Zone, or by using paper reading logs. Those who wish to track their participation online should include an email address on their registration form in order to receive an invitation to the library’s Reader Zone group.
Any type of reading material is acceptable for the program, Harris said; the goal is just to keep your mind active.
Adult participants will also have weekly activity challenges to complete if they choose, and younger participants (children and teens) will receive weekly kits with supplies and suggestions for activities that can be done at home.
Library staff will set up at several locations throughout the county every week with the childrens’ and teens’ activity kits to make the program as convenient as possible for community members. Participants can choose their preferred pickup location when they register.
Pickup locations will be available in Greenville, Central City, Powderly, Bremen, Beechmont and Drakesboro.
Once Summer Reading registration opens on May 24, prospective participants can sign up in person at the front desk of either library branch. The library is currently open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Community members can also register online or by mail. A link will be posted on the library’s website and social media pages for those who wish to register online, and a printable registration form will be available on the library website. A printed form will also be available in next week’s newspapers.
Printed registration forms may be returned to the library by mail or dropped off in person.
Participants can begin tracking their reading immediately after they register for the program. Virtual programming will begin June 7 and will continue through the end of June.
Community members can register and begin participating in Summer Reading at any point before the end of the program on July 2.
“We’re excited about our Summer Reading Program,” Harris said. “It’s always one of our biggest programs of the year, and we have a lot of fun with it.”
“We hope this year’s program will be great, too!”
For more information about Summer Reading or the other programs and services offered by Muhlenberg County Public Libraries, contact the library at 270-338-4760 or through the website contact form.
