Clarkston, Holly, and Springfield Libraries Ready for Summer Reading
(Mel Corrigan, June 14, 2021)
Clarkston, Holly, and Springfield Twp, MI – Each June, our local libraries kick-off Summer Reading Programs for kids and teens. Some programs offer adult reading programs, too. The way it works is simple:
- Sign-up online or at the library
- Receive reading logs or challenge sheets and complete them throughout the summer
- Submit them to the library by the due date (to be eligible for fun prizes!)
- Attend the party at the end of the reading program for recognition and to celebrate!
Reading programs are only one aspect of what libraries serve up over the summer. Library teams work diligently to curate programming for children, teens and adults, such as story times, arts and crafts activities, family events, workshops and more. Much of the programming is free, and many activities require registration to participate.
Library programs are generally designed to foster literacy. I asked Debbie Hernan, Youth Services Manager at Holly Township Library why early literacy is so vital. She said, “While the skills of Early Literacy are the building blocks that help children learn to read more easily, they also help children to expand their language and in turn, their social and emotional health. There are just so many benefits to Early Literacy experiences: they determine how a child’s brain will grow and develop and they will boost a child’s success in school. Not to mention, so many children’s books are just plain fun to read! The more children enjoy the literature they are exposed to, the more they will enjoy reading themselves as they get older.” All the more reason to visit your local library this summer and take advantage of all they have to offer (and check out a few books, too!).
Below you’ll find more details about summer reading and programming at libraries in northwest Oakland county. If you live elsewhere, just hop over to your local library’s website to learn about their offerings.
Springfield Township Library
The Springfield Township Library Summer Reading program theme is Tails and Tales, sponsored by Friends of the Springfield Township Library. Children’s Programming Manager, Lisa Murawa said, “Our challenge for kids going into K-5th Grade is to read 800 minutes between June 14 and July 31. There will be literacy based programs for kids 10-30 months, 2 1/2 to 5, Grades K-2, and Grades 3-6. A rep from the humane society will teach us about dog and cat body language on July 12. We will make and launch paper rockets on July 14. We are planning to make pet portraits on July 19.”
Dates to remember:
- June 14 – summer reading kickoff (1-3pm)
- July 31 – Last day to turn in reading logs
- August 6 – Ice Cream Awards Party and Concert (11am)
The summer reading program is fun for librarians, too! Kristina Costigan, Teen and Children’s Librarian. She said, “I love seeing the kids and how they’ve grown over the school year. Some kids don’t visit the library much during the school year. The best part of the summer reading program is getting to see the joy the kids have about books and reading, and that we get to have fun with them. Our goal is to promote joy and fun surrounding libraries, books and reading for kids, and that all of it will carry through for the rest of their lives.”
For more information, contact Lisa Murawa at 248-846-6553, check out the flyer (below this article), check out this video or visit the Summer Reading program registration page.
Holly Township Library
The Holly Township Library Summer Reading program theme is Tails and Tales, sponsored by Friends of the Holly Township Library. Youth Services Manager, Debbie Hernan, said, “We’ll have weekly themes such as “Down on the Farm”, “Creepy Crawlies” and “Tails and Tracks”. All in-person programs will be held outdoors and all programs are free of charge. With our space limitations, we do ask that folks register for those they plan to attend. While most people think of Summer Reading as being a program just for kids, there are also some great reading incentives and programs for teen and adult participants as well.”
Dates to remember:
- June 11: Summer reading kick-off
- July 29 – End of Summer Reading Water Party with Kona Ice Truck (3pm)
- August 6 – Last day to turn in reading logs
When asked about her favorite part of summer reading, Debbie said, “Can I have 2 favorite parts? When children bring their completed tracking sheets to the Library to collect their prize bags, they are so excited and they just beam with pride. It’s a real treat to be a part of that joy! They clearly feel so proud of the ‘work’ they have done to finish the reading program. I also love getting the chance to see and interact with many of the school-aged children who I haven’t seen since the previous summer. This year the ‘reunion’ will be even more meaningful since we weren’t able to hold in-person events here last summer.”
To learn more about the summer reading program or to register online, visit the website. A flyer outlining children’s summer activities is located below this article.
Clarkston Independence District Library
The Clarkston Independence District Library Summer Reading Program theme is Tails & Tales, sponsored by Friends of the Library, Bowman Chevrolet and Vibe Credit Union. Manda Carr, Head of Youth and Teen Services said, “The Kids and Teen information will be located on these pages. Adults should also consider joining the Adult Dept.’s Summer Reading BINGO games, which they can do at our Info desk. Summer Reading events this year will be a mix of in-person and via Zoom, so when registering for individual events, make sure you read the description for details.”
Dates to remember:
- June 12 – Summer Reading Kickoff (10am)
- August 13 – Last day to turn in reading logs/challenges (6pm)
- August 14 – Summer Reading Wrap-up Event
I asked about Manda’s favorite part of summer reading, and she said, “Our favorite thing is how excited the kids get during the Summer Reading program! Libraries are vital to the ‘summer slide’ which happens to kids and teens; we combat that slide by keeping youth engaged in educational activities and reading, which will keep their brains more active, and more ready for school in the fall—that, to me personally, is also something I love about Summer Reading!”
For more information, call the library at (248) 625-2212 or visit the registration pages (kids, teen). For more information about summer events, check out the complete summer program brochure.