Print

A Different Summer Reading Happening at Schlow

Popular program will be online this summer, including virtual events
Posted on: May 8, 2020 - 2:25pm
SRP 2020 Everyone

It will be a summer like no other, but Schlow Centre Region Library is ready for this year’s Summer Reading Programs that will be full of imagination.

With use of the Schlow Library building limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Summer Reading will be held exclusively online. Even with a virtual Summer Reading, participants can still go on quests, set goals, attend programs online, and win some fantastic prizes.

“We are excited to be able to offer our summer programs entirely online this year so that families can participate safely,” says Paula Bannon, head of children’s services. “The children’s Summer Reading Program will feature our traditional daily reading and SummerQuest activities with virtual tickets, but this year we will also have exciting Weekly Pop-up Challenges! Complete a new challenge each week throughout the summer, starting June 15!” 

The theme for 2020 Summer Reading is “Imagine Your Story,” and, as always, Summer Reading is for all ages — babies through adults. Registration opens Monday, May 18, with the program beginning on Monday, June 1 and running through Wednesday, August 19.

The library has programs for babies to age 2, ages 3 to 12, ages 12 to 17, and ages 18 and older. Participants can register at reading.schlowlibrary.org. 

“Our community’s response to Schlow programming is always an inspiration to me,” says Maria Burchill, head of adult services at Schlow. “Retirees, babies, teens, they all sign up to read as much as they can over a few short months. Now more than ever, summer reading is critical to the ongoing education of our children and teens. Schlow's programs are not only designed with fun in mind, but we are also aware of the need to keep brains flexible and learning no matter the age.”

This year’s Summer Reading events include:

  • Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m.: Jesse Rothacker and his reptiles from the Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary will be presenting a special show live from Lancaster County! See these special creatures up close and ask Jesse questions about reptiles. Registration required.
  • Wednesday, June 10 at 10 a.m.: Teens and Adults are welcome to join “Podcasts 101: Exploring the World through Audio with Jenna Spinelle and David Pencek.” Learn the basics of what a podcast is, how to find them on your phone, tablet, or computer, and gather some suggestions for shows to match a variety of interests. Registration required.
  • Wednesday, June 17 at 2:30 p.m.: Adam Swartz Puppet Show. Do you have a favorite fairy tale? Do you like to make up your very own stories? How many ways can you use your imagination? Help Billy and the Story Machine create a fairy tale like you’ve never seen before. Audience members will interact with Billy and his friends as they work together to bring a story to life. Recommended for ages 3 to 8. Presented by local favorite Adam Swartz Puppets! Registration required.
  • Wednesday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m.: Bright Star Touring Theatre presents Aesop’s Fables. Perfect for younger audiences, these classic tales entertain but also share a message about treating others fairly and knowing right from wrong.  Registration required.
  • Wednesday, July 8 thru Friday July 10: Don’t miss the 10th anniversary of BookFest PA. Now entirely virtual, Schlow and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts will present three days of author readings, virtual storefronts, and even a costume contest!

Since Central Pennsylvania has been affected by the coronavirus, Schlow has continued to serve the community with its digital library and has even expanded its online services, including having Zoom rooms available for patrons and Virtual Storytimes. This year’s virtual Summer Reading Program continues the library’s mission of providing for the area, whether in the library building or in homes across the Centre Region.

For more information about Meet the Authors, Indie Authors at the Mic, and other events and services at Schlow, visit schlowlibrary.org and follow Schlow Library on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Contact: David Pencek | dpencek@schlowlibrary.org