Read Beyond the Beaten Path

June 7, 2022 in

Library offers free Summer Reading Program for all ages

Josephine Community Library invites the community to join the 2022 Summer Reading Program from June 17 through August 13 with activities, in-person weekly crafts, and prizes for all ages. The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.”

Participants can track their reading using the online reading tracker and earn raffle tickets for prizes at the end of the program. Weekly program updates can be found can be found on the library website at josephinelibrary.org, in the Daily Courier, the Country Weekly, and in-person at each branch in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek. New weekly themes will be revealed each week including themed activities, recommended reading, and interactive resources for all ages.

Online registration for the Summer Reading Program begins June 10, but community members are encouraged to register in-person during the registration event taking place during open hours at all four branches on June 17 and 18. Crafts and registration prizes are available while supplies last.

In addition, special events include:

  • Weekly themed “craftivities” from 1–4 pm every
    open day     at all four branches.
  • Drop in for weekly art classes facilitated and sponsored by Illinois River Valley Arts Council on Saturdays between 11 am–2 pm at the Illinois Valley branch.
  • The Traveling Crew interactive performance led by local performing artists Bobbi Kidder and Ed Gangner will present an interactive program that includes story, music, and movement for children and their families at the Grants Pass and Illinois Valley library branches.
  • Storybook Walk in Grants Pass and Cave Junction during the month of July featuring the classic poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth.
  • During Bugs-R-Us: Bugs as Food, touch and explore live insects and witness some of the largest preserved insects on earth. Participants who are feeling extra brave will even have a chance to try some edible bugs.
  • Teens ages 13–18 are invited to a special one-shot Dungeons and Dragons Adventure Party for all skill levels from 1–4 pm on Saturday, July 23 at the Grants Pass branch. Beginners are welcome and cosplay is encouraged. Space is limited and registration is required.

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; however, instant online library cards are available to all Josephine County residents at no cost and can be used to access ebooks, audiobooks, or other digital resources immediately. To get a physical library card, community members can visit their preferred branch in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, or Wolf Creek during open hours.

For more information about the 2022 Summer Reading Program or current library services, visit josephinelibrary.org, send an email to info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.

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