Have a Literary Summer

Even though summer unofficially kicked off on Memorial Day, students throughout Charleston County will finally celebrate the last day of school this Thursday, June 6. And while many will be enjoying sunny days of fishing, swimming, hiking, arts & crafts and other fun outdoor activities, there are still plenty of opportunities to get in some mental exercise as well.
Along with a number of summer camps offered at our county parks, Charleston County is also encouraging summer reading with events at our local parks and libraries.
Starting this past Saturday, June 1, and running until August 1, Charleston County Public Libraries are once again hosting their Summer Reading Program with challenges and prizes for readers of all ages.
“Reading is critical during the summer when students are out of school. Studies have proven that children who read during the summer are better prepared for the next school year and are less likely to regress in their reading comprehension skills,” states Jamie Thomas, Marketing Manager for Charleston County Public Libraries.
From teen and adult reading list challenges to special programs designed to encourage reading skills in babies and toddlers, the Summer Reading program consists of both weekly prize drawings and incentive rewards for hitting milestones.
Last year more than 20,000 Charleston County residents participated in the program, and to encourage more people to drop by area libraries this summer, each of the 16 libraries throughout the county will be offering a number of fun summer events through August.
“Some of our special Summer Reading events include magic shows, plays, puppetry, storytellers, clowns, concerts and even activities with live animals,” says Thomas.
Prizes this year are donated by local businesses and include edible treats from McDonalds, Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt, and Maverick Southern Kitchens; tickets to sports and area attractions such as the Charleston RiverDogs, Charleston Battery, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Carolina Ice Palace, Charleston Park and Recreation Commission water parks, Masters Studios, and Carolina Karate; and gift cards to places like Starbucks, Home Depot, and Regal Cinemas.
The libraries aren’t the only ones encouraging summer reading over the next few month, however. Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPRC) is also happy to announce the launch of a new summer reading program for preschoolers called Little Acorns: Story Time Under the Trees.
“We have had great success with preschool programs in the past and this year we are offering two, hour-long programs a month from June through August. Each program will start with reading a book and will include hands-on learning activities and a craft that are related to the theme of the book,” says Rachel Herold, Environmental Education Specialist with CCPRC.
Little Acorns launches this coming Tuesday, June 11, with the reading of The Acorn and the Oak Tree by Lori Froeb at James Island County Park. Volunteers from CCPRC will read the book and host the craft project afterward. All of the readings are free with park gate admission and are geared toward kids ages 3 – 5.
 
To register for the reading and to check out upcoming readings, visit the CCPRC website at www.ccprc.com or call 795-4386. For more information about the summer reading programs at Charleston County Public Libraries, visit www.ccpl.org or call the main library at 805-6930.