If the summers of your childhood involved made-up adventures with siblings or friends, then the library was probably where you got your ideas. The stories in the books played in your mind like a TV show and creativity seeped out with the sweat on those hot days.
Medina County District Library is still the place to find adventures in books. In this digital age, the library is where kids unplug, enjoy events and discover their creativity all while learning, growing and getting ready for the upcoming school year.
Storytimes
This year, MCDL has expanded weekly story time sessions to 31 weeks per year. Registration is open for the summer session that spans almost the entire summer break. Brunswick Library Children’s Department Supervisor, Kelly Halleen says, “Our goal as a library is to prepare kids for school and instill a love of books, creativity and zest for learning. Everything we do in story times is aimed at helping every child get ready to learn in school.”
Early literacy skills that children learn in story time and should possess before entering Kindergarten include upper and lowercase letter recognition, matching sounds, rhyming words, ability to retell stories and knowing nursery rhymes. Register at MCDL.info/Storytimes.
Book Bike
MCDL is on a roll! The Book Bike is ready for a summer at community events, festivals and parades. The Book Bike has an attached trailer with custom-built enclosed shelves for books. Forget your library card? No problem! Make a selection, no check out required. The Book Bike's books consist of quality donations and library discards. Tax dollars are not used to buy new books for giveaways. Visit MCDL.info/BookBike to view the Book Bike’s schedule.
Adventure Passes
Go on a free family adventure with your library card. MCDL’s Adventure Passes can be checked out for up to a week and give you admission, parking and discounts at the Akron Zoo, Akron Art Museum, Stan Hyett Hall & Gardens and the Brunswick Rec Center. Sara Tran, library staff member and mom says, “We’d never been to the Akron Zoo until Adventure Passes became available. The zoo has become our new favorite place and when we have family in town, we make it a point to explore with them.” View pass availability, terms and restrictions at MCDL.info/Adventure.
Summer Reading
This year’s Summer Reading Game features an art theme for kids and teens, and begins May 3 at all locations. Kids can pick up a gameboard at their library and read to earn a prize book of their choice. Teens play online with prize thresholds to win books and prize bundles. Learn more about the games, and teens can create an account now, at MCDL.info/ReadingGame.
Complementing this year's Summer Reading Game are dozens of fun and educational events. Look for Whiz Bang Science, Cody Clark Magic, Outback Ray, a Chess Skills Clinic and Mad Science Crayola Arts Academy. View featured summer events and register at MCDL.info/Events.
Tips for Summer Reading Success
-
Babies are welcome to play! Reading to young children is excellent for brain development, bonding and trust. Exposing children to books at a young age is linked to better school performance later in life.
-
Reluctant readers may discover their love of reading over the summer. Ask a librarian for recommendations based on your child’s interests. Allow your child to choose their books so they take ownership and pride in their selections.
-
Prevent the “summer slide." Kids don’t want to lose reading skills over the summer. Encourage their reading by asking questions about their stories. They notice your interest and may give you an oral book report without even realizing it!
“We’d never been to the Akron Zoo until Adventure Passes became available. The zoo has become our new favorite place and when we have family in town, we make it a point to explore with them.”