Library Kicks Off Annual Summer Reading Program

The Barrington Area Library has turned into a kingdom of books recently as it launches its annual summer reading club.  This year's theme is "A Midsummer Knight's Read."  

The library is incenting all children from birth to eighth grade to go on quests to fill their summer with "great reads, free programs and more!"

Andersen Kail, age 8, recently moved to Barrington and wanted to sign up for the summer reading club.

"It's kind of fun to read books," he said.  

Some of his favorites include the A to Z Mystery series, the Magic Tree House series and any kind of books about sports.  Joci Kail, Andersen's mother is excited about her son's summer activity. 

"I want to keep him reading all summer long.  We have a lot of books at home, but there are so many more here.  I like to keep him interested."

Librarians were sent out to local schools to give a presentation to children and teachers on the summer reading program.  Many children remembered the librarian who came to their school, calling out, "You were the guy who came to talk to us about books and reading!"

Children from birth to kindergarten are awarded one sticker for each time they visit the library. After collecting three stickers, they receive a free book from the Friends of the Barrington Area Library. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade are asked to complete "quests" of reading books, listening to audio books, attending programs or writing book reviews.  After five quests have been completed, they earn a chance to launch the library catapult to receive a prize. After 10 or more quests have been completed, they get a free book  and an opportunity to ring the library gong and earn a patch.

"We have been very busy,” Assistant Librarian Jan Miller said about the number of children participating in this year's summer reading club. “It has been a good year!"

For more information and to sign up online, visit BALibrary.org.