It’s almost time for Summer Reading at Muhlenberg County Public Libraries! There’s a lot of fun planned for all ages during this summer’s superhero-themed program.
Both Harbin Memorial and Central City Public Libraries will host programs during Summer Reading. Children may attend either branch’s programs, or they may attend both if they choose to do so.
Registration for the children’s (ages 18 months through 5th grade) “Every Hero Has a Story” Summer Reading program begins May 26, and the program kick-off will be held June 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Thistle Cottage with Superhero Training Day. Children will get to run, crawl and try out all their superhero skills in preparation for earning their superhero certificate.
The Summer Reading kick-off is for children who plan to attend programs at either Harbin Memorial or Central City Public Library.
The kick-off will be followed by four weeks of themed programming, beginning June 8. Programs will be held at different times according to age.
Programs will be held at the following times and locations:
• 18 months – 3 years old – Tuesdays (Harbin) and Thursdays (Central City) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• 4-5 years old – Tuesdays (Harbin) and Thursdays (Central City) at 2:30 p.m.
• K-1st grade – Wednesdays (both locations) at 10:30 a.m.
• 2nd-3rd grade – Tuesdays (Central City) and Thursdays (Harbin) at 10 a.m.
• 4th-5th grade – Tuesdays (Central City) and Thursdays (Harbin) at 1:30 p.m.
• 6th-8th grade – Wednesdays (both locations) at 2 p.m.
• 9th-12th grade – Mondays (Central City) at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays (Harbin) at 2 p.m.
Weekly themes for the children’s programs include Super Powers (June 9-11), Superhero Training Camp (June 16-18), A Day Fighting Crime/Superheroes to the Rescue (June 23-25) and a costumed Superhero Party (June 30-July 2).
At Harbin Memorial, teens (6th through 12th grade) will have a different “Unmask” program every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., beginning June 10. Programs include a video game and board game day (June 10), a craft day (including the chance to make your own cosplay costume) on June 17, a movie day (June 24) and a program finale on July 1, featuring a cosplay contest, games and a rewards fair.
At Central City, the Unmask program will be split into two groups. Teens and tweens who have just completed 6th through 8th grade will meet on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., June 10-July 1. Teens who have just completed 9th through 12th grade will meet on Mondays at 2 p.m., June 8-June 29. Programs include a trivia/game and craft day (June 8-10), an obstacle course (June 15-17) and a scavenger hunt (June 22-24). Each group will have a costume party with food and prizes on the last day of programming (June 29-July 1).
There will also be a “Grillin’ at the Park” event for 6th-12th graders on June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Paradise Park. Food and games will be provided.
A pool party will be held for all Summer Reading participants on July 9 and July 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Central City Convention Center Water Park. Each participant may choose which date they want to attend the pool party, but you must contact the library to register for the date you prefer. All children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult at the pool party.
Like the kick-off, the pool party finale is for participants of programs at either Harbin Memorial or Central City Public Library.
There will also be a rewards fair at each library on July 13 beginning at 10:30 a.m. for participants in the children’s Summer Reading Program. Participants can use the Summer Reading bucks earned throughout the program for prizes. The rewards fair lasts until 5:30 p.m. at Central City Public Library and until 6 p.m. at Harbin Memorial.
Adults (18 and older) will not be left out of the Summer Reading fun. They can “Escape the Ordinary” throughout the month of June. There are no minimum reading requirements for the program, and it will feature special programs, weekly prizes and more. Patrons can participate in these programs at either library branch. Registration begins on June 1, and the program lasts through July 2. A finale will be held July 6 at 11 a.m. (location to be determined).
These programs are free to all participants.
For more information about any of these programs or to register, contact Muhlenberg County Public Libraries at 270-338-4760.
