Quincy Public Library Summer Reading Program Starts Saturday

Quincy Public Library will launch its Read to the Rhythm Summer Reading program on Saturday, June 6, 2015, from 10 am -2 pm. Readers of all ages will enjoy special performances, activities and refreshments, and will be able to check out books and pick up book logs to get started reading to win!Kick off activities include performances by the Beth Heinze Dancers, Quincy Notre Dame Pommers, and Gem City Gymnastics & Tumbling. Brenda Turnbaugh will lead people through Zumba routines. The University of Illinois Extension will offer a food craft to make edible “drum sticks,” made of chocolate and pretzels. Children can try a variety of musical instruments at Quincy Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument petting zoo and a music wall will allow readers to create their own rhythm on a variety of household items. Leo the Library Lion will visit and crafts, face-painting, and free popcorn and soda will be provided.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase.

Children, teens and adults who read books and complete and return book logs, will be entered into drawings for a variety of prizes.  Teens and adults are eligible for drawings on many exciting prize baskets, on display at the Q.P.L.  Children and teens are eligible for drawings for new Trek bicycles and helmets, donated by Bodley Lodge # 1 A.F. & A.M.  Drawings for all prize baskets and bicycles will be held at the Summer Reading ending party on Saturday, August 1, giving readers time to read and enter multiple times for more chances to win!

During the next two months, Q.P.L. will host a range of free activities for children, teens, adults, that encourage and support a love of reading.  Read to the Rhythm activities during June and July includes movies, exciting local and regional performers, lectures, games, documentaries, and crafts. A complete list of summer reading activities is listed on Q.P.L.’s website, quincylibrary.org. All activities are available free of charge.

There’s also a serious side to summer reading. Research has shown that students who participate in summer reading programs, and read a minimum of six books over the summer, score higher in reading and math when they return to school.

Students who do not read during the summer can lose as much as two months of learning by the time they return to school in the fall. To succeed in life, students need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills.  Read to the Rhythm reminds students that reading is for fun – as well as for learning.

To learn more about Read to the Rhythm at Quincy Public Library, visit quincylibrary.org. There is no charge for participation in summer reading.  Reservations are requested for all events, in order to insure adequate space and supplies, and may be made online or at the library.