COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will launch its Summer Reading Challenge on Thursday, June 1 and conclude the program on Monday, July 31.
CML will also hold its Kickoff Celebration at Main Library on Saturday, June 3. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., customers of all ages are invited for family fun, including a performance by the Shazzbots, plus games, activities, music and refreshments.
Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.
Starting Thursday, June 1, customers of all ages can sign up one of three ways:
- Online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading
- By downloading the free Beanstack app from the App Store or Google Play
- Stopping by any of CML’s 23 locations
Participants will need a CML library card in order to participate this year. Signing up is free and easy. Once signed up, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 30 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes.
“The pandemic’s lingering impact on our young minds and their ability to learn cannot be overstated,” said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.”
Summer Reading Challenge is supported by: CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Columbus Blue Jackets, Giant Eagle, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN, Clarkson Eyecare and Columbus EWI.
