Josephine Community Library invites the community to join the 2024 Summer Reading Program from June 15 through August 10 with activities, in-person weekly crafts, and prizes for all ages. The 2024 theme is “A Journey Awaits: Where books are your passport and imagination is your destination,” sponsored by the Evergreen Federal Bank, Josephine Community Library Foundation, and the State Library of Oregon.
Participants can track their reading using the online reading tracker and earn raffle tickets for prizes at the end of the program. Community members can visit the library website at josephinelibrary.org, check the Daily Courier, the Country Weekly, or visit in-person at a branch in Grants Pass, Williams, or Wolf Creek for weekly themed activities, recommended reading, and interactive resources for all ages. The Illinois Valley branch is closed for renovation.
Online registration for the Summer Reading Program begins on June 1. Summer Reading Program activity booklets, crafts, and registration prizes are available while supplies last at library branches beginning June 15.
In addition, special events include:
- Weekly themed “craftivities” from 1–4 pm every open day during the Summer Reading Program at all open branches
- Teen Bad Artists Club from 5–7 pm on Thursdays beginning June 13 at the Grants Pass branch
- Pop-Up Storybook Walk during the month of July at various locations throughout Josephine County
- Bugs-R-Us presents “Bats”
- Tuesday, June 18 | Grants Pass | 11 am–12 pm
- Tuesday, June 18 | Grants Pass | 1–2 pm
- Wednesday, June 19 | Wolf Creek | 11:30 am–12:30 pm
- Friday, June 21 | Grants Pass | 10:30–11:30 am
- Friday, June 21 | Williams | 1–2 pm
- Zoro the Drummer author talk from 1–2 pm on Saturday, June 22 at the Grants pass branch followed by a book signing event at Oregon Books & Games
- Among the Stars: Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn
- Friday, July 12 | Grants Pass | 2–3:30 pm
- Saturday, July 13 | Wolf Creek | 1:30–3 pm
- Saturday, July 13 | Williams | 4:30–6 pm
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
- Friday, August 2 | Wolf Creek | 1–2 pm
- Friday, August 2 | Grants Pass | 3:30–4:30 pm
- Saturday, August 3 | Williams | 1–2 pm
- Takelma Bilingual Storytime with Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians from 2–3 pm on Friday, August 9 at the Grants Pass branch
Summer reading programs have long been acknowledged by researchers and the general public as key to the long-term academic success of students. Numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer months prevents “summer reading loss,” which can have a cumulative effect. Studies show that by the end of sixth grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer are two years behind their classmates.
The Summer Reading Program and related events are offered at no cost to participants. A library card is not needed to take part. To get a library card, community members can visit their preferred branch in Grants Pass, Williams, or Wolf Creek during open hours. The Illinois Valley branch is currently under closed for renovation. Annual library card sponsorship for children and adults who live in Josephine County, but do not live within the library district boundary are available thanks to funding from Josephine Community Library Foundation.
For more information about the 2024 Summer Reading Program and related events, visit josephinelibrary.org/summer-reading-program, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.