COURTLAND
Libraries in Courtland, Franklin and Windsor are readying for summer break just as students are.

This year’s Summer Reading Program “Read to the Rhythm,” kicks off on Monday, June 22 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 1.

“We will be offering more programs that are STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and math),” said Bonnie Lauver, Blackwater Regional Library’s operations manager. “We’ve invited the MAD Science Group of Hampton Roads and the Sciencetellers.”

“I’m most excited about the Sciencetellers event. I think the kids are going to love it,” added Rebecca Wyche, the Courtland branch’s youth programmer. The Sciencetellers are a storytelling group that use stories about superheroes to teach basic science lessons. They will be at Walter Cecil Rawls’ Library in Courtland on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m.

The summer reading program is designed by the Blackwater’s branch managers and youth programmers to facilitate reading amongst school students during summer break.

“Children who read throughout the summer are less likely to fall behind in their reading scores, and it keeps them on track to continue their learning journey the following school year,” said Lauver.

“This year we have extraordinary incentives to participate,” said Sharonda Lowther, youth programmer of the Franklin branch.

Participating children receive a punch card, with a hole punched for every book read. Children who meet their weekly goal are entered in a drawing to win prizes, which include Amazon gift cards and even an iPad.

“We’re really trying to get the teens into the library and to get them reading,” Lowther said.

Highlights of the summer program include:

• J.B. Rattles Reptile Show at Courtland Library on Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m.;

• Family Carnival Day at Franklin Library on Saturday, July 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.;

• Storyteller Sheila Arnold presents “Tales from Around the World” at Windsor High School on Tuesday, July 14, at 11 a.m.;

• Paws to Read with Trained Therapy Dogs on Wednesday, July 15, at the Courtland Library at 10 and 11 a.m.;

• Drumming with Connie Ralston at Windsor High School on Tuesday, July 21, at 11 a.m.;

• Mad Science presents “Sounds Like Science” at Franklin Library on Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“This program is good for the community in that we offer free events throughout the summer that are fun and educational. It really benefits people who don’t have money to participate in other community events, or can’t afford a vacation,” Lowther said.

“Summer reading brings families together by offering free programs they can participate in together,” Lauver said.

A full schedule for the summer reading programs in all Blackwater Regional Libraries is available online at blackwaterlib.org.