Ali Kern organizes books in the children’s section of the Hancock County Public Library.
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
HANCOCK COUNTY – Summer reading clubs kick off June 1 at libraries throughout Hancock County, giving residents of all ages a chance to read for prizes and enjoy free events.
And while the main purpose is to prevent “summer slide” in school children, programs and prizes are for all ages.
“Studies have shown if kids read over the summer it prevents them from losing some of the gains they’ve made throughout the school year,” said Kyle Turpin, marketing manager for the Hancock County Public Library. “And we just really like to promote the joy of reading; that’s why it’s for teens and adults as well. You’re reading for enjoyment and get a little reward along the way.”
Summer reading programs have been a tradition in local communities for years. The HCPL, which includes the libraries in Greenfield and New Palestine, asks patrons to log time spent reading – or listening to someone read – for e-tickets for prize drawings from June 1 to Aug. 1. The Vernon Township Public Library in Fortville will also give away prizes, asking participants to log each day they read.
Melissa Dragoo Loiselle, library director in Fortville, says they simply ask people to read a little bit each day.
“Some children are going to read all day every day like it’s their job. For some kids getting their child to read is a challenge and sometimes having an extra incentive makes that easier for the parent,” she said. “We count days of reading so we allow the parent to decide what amount counts for that day because every child is different and for some kids reading five minutes is a huge accomplishment and we’re proud of that.”
Each library offers small prizes simply for starting up and logging some reading. But the more you read, the more the chances of earning larger prizes. HCPL prizes include gift certificates to local and regional businesses, toys, museum memberships, tickets to the Indiana State Fair or Indianapolis Indians, and more. In Vernon Township, prizes include free books and, for teens and adults, raffles for gift cards.
All libraries encourage families reading together; in fact, a parent reading to their children can count as their own reading time for prizes.
But summer reading isn’t only about prizes. Free events will be happening throughout June and July.
The HCPL offers storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, with registration opening up at 9 a.m. Monday, May 22. Jenny Cecil-Jessie, youth services librarian, said storytimes have become very popular, so she suggests anyone interested sign up immediately.
“We do summer reading to prevent summer slide and to encourage reading to the preschool crowd because their brain is developing so fast that it really helps them get ready for school if they’ve been read to,” Cecil-Jessie said, adding that even babies can join the club.
Amazon John, the library’s first performer, is also a hit with his comedy animal show. Children’s programs also include a magician, puppeteer, crafts and even a Nerf war in New Palestine. Most event registration opens one week before the event happens.
For teens, the HCPL is offering a Mario Kart tournament, art events and more. A special STEAM Challenge program is also launching, offering badges to those who complete science, technology, engineering, art and math challenges each week for a chance to win a $100 e-gift card to the Discovery Store. Kristen Schutt, teen services librarian, said the STEAM activities for students sixth through 12th grade can be done at home or in the library, and rewards those who not only love to read but also love to experiment and learn throughout the summer.
In Fortville, the library is really embracing their “All Together Now” theme. While libraries throughout the nation are using that theme, Dragoo Loiselle said it’s especially timely for their township library: the board voted this week to change the name from Fortville-Vernon Township Public Library to simply “Vernon Township Public Library.”
She’s hoping people understand that McCordsville and all of Vernon Township residents are welcome there. Library events will be held in both communities as well.
“We’re in the process of getting a new logo. We’re offering programs in both communities so we have special events happening in McCordsville, and some in Fortville.”
The Vernon Township Public Library will have storytimes for ages 4 and under, and other children’s programming includes a tie-dying party, animal show and a children’s singer, Mr. Daniel. Programs for teens include a 1960s-style picnic in a park and a “groovy” trivia event.
The library is also hosting a kindness challenge, where patrons will be presented a simple act of kindness at the beginning of the week to complete.
Programs aren’t just for children. All libraries are encouraging adults to read as well, with prizes just for adults. There are also book clubs throughout the summer, speakers, demonstrations and free concerts.
Turpin said while a lot of parents realize summer reading is for everyone, he hopes anyone feels welcome to join.
“I’m sure a lot of people don’t realize we have just as many adult events as well,” he said.
To sign up for summer reading, most Hancock County residents can log into hcp.li/read. Vernon Township residents should visit fvtpl.org.
For a complete list of events in Greenfield and New Palestine, visit hcplibrary.org and click “events.” For more information about events in Fortville and McCordsville, click on the “events and programs” tab at fvtpl.org.
