For 2008, Sacramento Public Library will begin a new program of Summer Reading for all ages. Reading clubs will be open to pre-readers, school-age children, teens and adults. Program events will be held for all age groups throughout the system.

Summer Reading Program goals are:

To have all ages experience reading for fun.
To raise the profile of the library and have all ages associate fun with libraries.
To reach out to those that have not participated previously in summer reading.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The theme of this year’s summer reading for all ages will be “Catch the Reading Bug." The theme and artwork were developed for libraries through a grant from the California State Library. The artwork is by Harry Bliss, a notable children’s author of such favorites as "Diary of a Worm," "Diary of a Spider" and" A Fine, Fine School."

The summer reading program will run from June 14 through August 9. Activities and events are scheduled throughout this time in all libraries. Special programs feature musicians, puppeteers, storytellers, magicians, bugs, animal fun and lots of books. A special focus on internally created programs this year will not only save money but also showcase the many talents of the youth services staff. Staff created programs for kids include bracelet making, book making, buggy crafts, origami, edible bugs, game nights, parties, painted rocks, and much more.

For pre-readers there will be bug art, playgroups, storytimes, puppets and music. For teens there will be over 150 programs across the city and county including gaming events, movies, book discussions and crafts. And for adults, for the first time, there will be activities as a part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program including Master Gardener programs, plant clinics, book clubs, author visits, genealogy, How-to-Pack, ballroom dance…certainly something for everyone.

READING CLUB

This year’s reading club portion of summer reading will be different as well. Each person, upon signing up, will receive a bingo card. There will be a different bingo card for each age group with age appropriate activities on it. For example, the adult bingo card has a square labeled “Try out a library database” while the pre-reader card says “Listen to Dial-a-Story”. On every card there is at least one way to achieve bingo just by reading. The cards will be available on the Library website and customers may download their card and sign-up on-line or come into any library and sign-up with a staff member.

Because every year young customers report that their favorite prize is a book, once again the library will give a free book to those completing the summer reading book club program. For adults the prize will be a book bag with a shoulder strap and pockets. Of course the Library website will be featured prominently on the front of the bag. There will also be a grand prize drawing at every branch for a $50.00 Target gift card.

Everyone who completes a line on a bingo card will be entered into a grand prize drawing. For those kids and adults who want to keep reading all summer long, they will continue to be entered into the drawing with each bingo card line that they complete.

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

This year Target Corporation has funded all summer reading programs for the Sylvan Oaks and Belle Cooledge branches through grants with local stores.

The System Friends of the Sacramento Public Library has donated funds for youth and adult programs.

Affiliate Branch Friends continue to support summer reading programs at their locations.

News 10, KXTV, is producing public service announcements for the Sacramento Public Library’s Summer Reading program.