The Ruth Enlow Library is proud to announce the start of its Summer Reading Club 2022, with the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities.” Children and teens of all ages are invited to participate in the reading club by completing a reading challenge, earning prizes, and/or attending events. Participants must register online beginning on June 1 at https://www.relib.net/src.
Those with questions can call their local library branch or email the following contacts: julie@relib.net (Main Library), kcecil@relib.net (Accident), hannah@relib.net (Grantsville), melissa@relib.net (Friendsville), and diane@relib.net (Kitzmiller).
The Library’s programs for the Summer Reading Club will begin this year with a kick-off event hosted by the Library and presented by Talewise; a company committed to teaching children science through storytelling. Two performances of their show – “Pirates Lost at Sea, Science Adventure” – is scheduled for Monday, June 27: one at the Oakland Library from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and the other at the Grantsville Library from 6 – 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all registered Summer Reading Club participants. As Talewise describes the program, “Ahoy there, matey! Set sail with us on a thrilling, action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. With mutiny and high tide looming, they must rescue their salty captain and find a way to repair their ship before all hope is lost … at sea! Throughout the story, we’ll explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more! Volunteers from the audience will help us conduct several hands-on science experiments that ‘ARRR’ sure to amaze you! Don’t miss your chance to experience this interactive nautical tale — with a refreshing splash of science! This program is designed to entertain all ages – including the adults!”
Ocean-themed programs are scheduled throughout the summer at local Ruth Enlow Library branches, including a shark program presented by The National Aquarium. Garrett County’s own Daniel Stiles will be presenting “Pirate or Bow Tie Guy” programs at all five branches as well. All programs are free, and children choose their own reading materials and track their progress using the reading logs provided.
“Summer Reading Club helps stop the ‘summer slide’ – a documented two-month loss in learning over the summer break – by encouraging students to read about topics that interest them in the format that they enjoy most, including graphic novels,” said Julie Iden, Programming Supervisor at the Main Library, Oakland. “Motivating children to read over the summer helps bridge the gap in learning between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next one.”
Summer Reading Club is a cooperative project between the local Maryland public libraries and the Maryland State Department of Education. The state also is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a grassroots consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries.
The Friends of the Ruth Enlow Library contributes significant funds toward the Library’s summer reading program. Other local organizations and businesses support the program as well with incentives. And statewide, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Maryland State Fair contribute tickets and passes to participating libraries.
Funding for the Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea performances is provided by Western Maryland Regional Library, the regional resource center for the public libraries of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
Printed materials for Summer Reading Club are available at library branches, and information is available at www.relib.net.
