I have fond memories of signing up for library summer reading programs as a child. I loved keeping track of my books and earning Pizza Hut personal pan pizza coupons or a free Dairy Queen dilly bar (this might be showing my age here).
The Chattanooga Library’s Make. Play. Read. Learn. Summer Reading Program is back in full swing this year.
You can sign your child up either in person at the library or via this link. Once signed up, be sure to make a trip to your local branch to receive a bag with a book to keep, a journal, and a few other prizes. You and/or your child can keep track of their reading by how many minutes they’ve read or been read to. You can also record their minutes either on paper or online.
There are also badges that can be earned. Badges range from things like playing with bubbles, swinging, making your bed, or building a fort. All badges encourage creative play and add points to your overall total. The goal is to reach 2022 points. If that goal is reached, your child’s name will be put into a drawing to win gift cards. There is also a halfway point of 1011 points, and your child receives a prize.
The program runs through July 30th, so it’s not too late to join!
Details and extras:
I’m so thrilled that storytimes have also resumed at a few locations. Check out their website or follow them on social media to see exact times and classes offered. We have been going to preschool and baby bounce storytimes, and have thoroughly enjoyed them.
The library is also offering fun interactive things for your child to do while at the library. Just this week, my children completed a scavenger hunt doing things like finding a certain author and learning the names of one of the librarians. Upon completion, they earned a small prize.
Chattanooga Library has a free app called Libby which you can connect to your library card. I love to download audiobooks to read, but it would be great to listen to books if you have any big road trips with your kids this summer.
Libraries are so beneficial for children — here are just a few reasons why:
- We are setting an example about the importance and enjoyment of reading.
- It’s free entertainment.
- As a mom, we can easily meet other moms in our similar season of life and develop friendships.
- Our kids can meet and play with other children their age.
- The library gives our kids a safe place to make their own choices. Research has shown that children learn responsibility and have a desire to learn more when they feel they have options to choose from.
- Reading enhances communication skills.
- Reading reduces stress in children.
We have set aside a day every week where we will be going to the library this summer. It gives us something to look forward to and it keeps it exciting to have new reading material each week. We have a designated basket in our living room to keep our books in for easy accessibility.
The library offers so many wonderful things for you and your kids. I love supporting my community, getting to know other moms in my area, spending time with my children, and I am an avid reader, so this is an all around win.
If you are on the hunt for new great authors, here is what my boys (ages five and seven) are enjoying lately:
- Anything by Mo Willems (Elephant & Piggie series, etc.)
- Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
- Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner
- Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison
- The Snail & the Whale by Julia Donaldson
