By Katrina Wilson
Sponsored by Prince William Public Libraries
Animals of all kinds roam lands, swim in the deep blue oceans, and soar through the air. Many have both a tail and a tale to share as part Prince William Public Libraries’ (PWPL) Summer Reading theme “Tails and Tales!” The reading event is June 14 to Aug. 15.
How to Participate
Children utilizing the library system’s virtual baby story time.
In order to participate, participants should register at any Prince William Public Library, online or through the Beanstack Tracker app on their smartphone. They can track their progress by checking off completed activities. This year, PWPL is introducing a game card just for infants and toddlers.
“Learning and encouraging a love for literacy starts at a young age,” said Rachel Johnson, PWPL’s communications division chief. “While Summer Reading has always been for all ages, this year we created a special Game Card just for infants and toddlers with activities they’ll be sure to enjoy!”
There are game cards designed just for readers in grades K to 5 and 6 to 12 to keep them engaged and excited about reading all summer long. They will also have a Summer Reading Bucket List Challenge for adults to enjoy.
All About Fun and Learning
“Summer Reading is all about fun and learning,” Johnson said. “Children in grades K – 5 and 6 – 12 will have 25 activities to choose from based around the theme ‘Tails and Tales.’ Similar to past years, the activities encourage reading and introduce them to different resources available at Prince William Public Libraries.”
Come into any of their libraries after completing 10 activities for a free book and to be entered into a grand prize drawing. Johnson said participants can complete all the activities for a bonus entry for the grand prize drawing.
Programming
(Left to right) Hannah Axt and Neida Lopez pose with the Manassas City Library Compost Take-and-Make
They will continue virtual programming all summer long, Johnson said. Avid visitors of the programming may recognize some of their favorites, like Puppetopia, Mr. Jon and Wildlife Ambassadors. There are some exciting new programs like Jim Gill Presents and Talewise.
Johnson said Jim Gill promises a live, virtual concert filled with opportunities for everyone to sing, play and read along from the comfort of home.
“Jim Gill’s songs and musical books are often shared during PWPL story times,” Johnson said. “Jim calls his creations ‘music play.’ They are musical games that inspire children – and the adults that love and care for them – to join in the fun by actively singing, clapping and dancing along!”
There will also be plenty of other hands-on programs over the summer, like STEAM and craft Take-and-Makes to enjoy.
“We have Take-and-Makes for all ages this summer!” Johnson said. “While our libraries are open to the public, we understand that some people may not be comfortable or may not be able to come in, and we are still not offering in-person indoor programming this summer. Take-and-Make programs are an opportunity to share even more fun and creative ways for the community to get involved in our programs at home.”
Monitoring Guidelines and Health Status
Johnson said PWPL will continue to monitor all guidelines and the status of the health of the county and explore the possibility of offering in-person programming.
Please visit PWPL’s website or social media for updates.
You can follow Katrina Wilson on Twitter at @KatrinaMWilson_. She enjoys reading short stories and writing them.
