Summer break is on the horizon, and for many families, this means fun in the sun and enjoying some relaxation away from work and school. For students, this can sometimes also mean a complete break from studies, which can make it hard to keep up with curriculum when school resumes in the fall.
MCPL’s Summer Library Program, May 31-August 23, helps prevent this “summer slide” by encouraging kids and teens (and adults who want to get in on the fun as well!) to spend time reading each day. Kids who read 20 minutes each day will be eligible to earn free books to keep (up to three) and win prizes, including a Kindle eReader or tickets to a local attraction, such as the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City Royals, SEA LIFE Kansas City, and Science City.
This year’s program theme is “Oceans of Possibilities!” In keeping with this, the Library will host a variety of free entertaining and educational ocean-related programs at its branches and online, including:
- Five Oceans of Fun with Storyteller JoHo (all ages)
- Mad Science Presents Life in the Sea (ages 6+)
- Ocean and Reef Restoration and Conservation with the Kansas City Zoo (ages 10+)
- Teen Escape Rooms: Sea Monster Reveal and Shark Escape (teens)
Adults who participate can earn a commemorative Summer Library Program beach glass, plus a chance to win tickets from the Library’s Community Partners.
Learn more about MCPL’s Summer Library Program and sign up to participate at mymcpl.org/Splash!
Grow Your Reader! Download the Library’s App
Earlier this year, MCPL launched a new app designed to help caregivers engage in constructive, enriching and fun literacy activities with their children. Free to download from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store, MCPL’s Grow A Reader app focuses on developing children’s pre-reading skills so they can become strong readers and lifelong learners. Through a variety of videos, books and daily literacy tips, caregivers and their children can use Grow A Reader to work on the 10 critical early literacy skills.
The Grow A Reader app will also soon be home to MCPL’s signature series of children’s books written by local author Bridget Heos and illustrated by local artist Dan Regan, which feature the Library’s mascot, Marty the Martian. Marty will embark on a new journey through the Skoob solar system while he attempts to learn to read with the help of his friends!
App users will have first access to the digital version of the Grow A Reader books. Visit mymcpl.org/Kids to learn more about the timing and release of the books!
–Emily Becker
