This is the summer of space, so make plans now with your child to join 16,000 libraries across the United States as they embark on a summer reading adventure.
Libraries across Shelby County have teamed up with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a consortium of states working together to offer exceptional summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults. This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, and the CSLP hopes this year’s theme, A Universe of Stories, will inspire children to dream big, believe in themselves, and create stories of their own. Here is a sneak peek at summer library programs across Shelby County.
Memphis Public Libraries
3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38111
Last year, more than 80,000 people attended the summer reading program at Memphis Public Library (MPL) branches, and this summer is gearing up to be the biggest system-wide reading event ever.
The MPL summer reading program is called Explore Memphis, and it is open to all ages and Memphians. Explore Memphis will include events at all MPL branches, outreach programs off-site, and specially scheduled on-site programs for groups such as camps and daycares. There are three main components to the Explore Memphis program: reading, learning, and exploring.
With their participation, patrons can earn free and discounted admission to a variety of Memphis attractions. The main kick-off event will be held June 1st at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library and will conclude on July 27th. Readers can track minutes spent reading, and three grand-prize winners will be awarded a Kindle Fire at each library branch.
Memphis Public Libraries plans to give away more than one thousand books to children and teens this summer.
Sam T. Wilson Public Library
11968 Walker St., Arlington, TN 38002
This may be one of the smallest libraries in Shelby County, but last year nearly 400 participants registered for their summer reading program. The staff and library director, Molly Antoine, plan to make this summer even bigger. The Star Wars-themed kick-off will take place on June 1st, and each week will feature guest speakers and special events.
McGruff the Crime Dog will teach safety tips on June 10th, and Samantha Cox with the Shelby Forest Wildlife Program will present a program on June 20th. The library will host the Dixon Gallery Art To Grow program on July 11th.
Other activities will include cooking s’mores with a solar oven craft, making ice cream in a bag, a life-size Candy Land game, and a special edition of Cupcake Wars where children can compete to win prizes by decorating cupcakes.
Collierville Burch Library
501 Poplar View Pkwy., Collierville, TN 38017
Join Stormin’ Bob Swanson, the singing weatherman, as he kicks of the Burch summer reading program on May 29th. On June 6th, the Memphis Astronomical Society will teach patrons about the many different types of telescopes and how to use them. Weather permitting, attendees will have the opportunity to go outside and view the night sky with one of the telescopes.
Magician Scott Humston will put on a star-stopping show on June 18th. With the help of some lucky audience members, the Activated Story Theatre will perform the stories “Coyote and Eagle” and “Hina Goes to the Moon” on June 20th.
There are many more out-of-this-world events — such as solar system painting and a Star Wars-themed party — planned. The Collierville Burch Library summer reading program will conclude on July 26th.
Bartlett Library
5884 Stage Rd., Bartlett, TN 38134
The Bartlett library will blast off with reading this summer. The kick-off celebration will be held on June 1st and promises to be an intergalactic time. Each week throughout the summer, the Bartlett Library has special events planned for children, teens, and adults.
Jennifer Boren is the lead library media specialist for Collierville Schools and blogs at bookjabber.wordpress.com.