COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will launch its Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, June 1 and conclude the program on Wednesday, July 31.
CML will also hold Kickoff Parties at all locations. Main Library’s Kickoff Party will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring family fun with activities, music and refreshments. CML’s 22 branches will host Kickoff Parties throughout the week. For details about branch parties, customers can visit columbuslibrary.org/events.
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 Saturday, June 1, readers of all ages can sign up by visiting any CML location or by visiting columbuslibrary.org/summerreading.
Participants will need a CML library card to sign up for Summer Reading Challenge. Signing up for a library card is free.
Once signed up for Summer Reading Challenge, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 25 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes. Prizes are earned for every five days of reading. Participants track their reading by using Beanstack on a computer at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or by downloading the free Beanstack app through the Apple Store and Google Play.
“We know that many students and families are still recovering from the learning disruptions of the last few years,” 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 made possible through generous support from CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, iHeart Media, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN and Columbus EWI.
