Summer Reading Program kicks off June 1 | News, Sports, Jobs

A slew of in-person programs is guaranteed to grab the interest of all ages this summer during the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program, as well as prizes for reading and finishing missions.

The Summer Reading Program will be held from June 1, through Aug. 1.

Youth Services Programing Coordinator Amy Jane McWilliam said the great thing about this year’s Summer Reading Program is they have gone back to the library’s typical summer program full of in-person programs.

“We have great presenters,” she said. “The Sanibel Sea School, they are bringing their sea lab. Adams Animal Encounter out of Pine Island is bringing some local animal ambassadors to talk about staying safe around animals and protecting their environment.”

McWilliam said all of their libraries will have presenters for all ages throughout the summer.

“Most of our large libraries will have weekly events for young children, kids and teens. A few of our libraries, Captiva and Boca Grande have a limited schedule, but packed with activities,” she said. “Any time a child is engaged and becomes curious about what they saw in the program they check out books. It’s pretty cool.”

One of the programs “The Five Senses with DoDad’s Lab” Features Professor DoDad and his partner Rosco in a science laboratory using experiments, original music and puppets. “Amazing Animals with Adam” is another special program with wildlife biologist Adam Pottruck who touches upon wildlife management, rescue and conservation in a hands-on, interactive program. a favourite, “Magic with Joey Evans” is sure to keep the kiddos entertained with magic, puppets and tricks and “Joshua J. Superstar Show: features comedy, circus stunts and audience participation.

“Fishing 101 with Captain Debbie,” a program for teens will teach them about basic equipment, fish identification and tying knots and the Sanibel Sea School will showcase their mobile sea lab and provide children with the opportunity to dissect a squid, use a microscope and learn about marine habitats.

Florida Gulf Coast University’s, “The Water School,” will provide a program for teens to discuss the school, it’s purpose and impact on Southwest Florida. There is also an introduction to underwater archeology kids program, giving them the opportunity to learn the basics of archeology with a portable shipwreck on a tarp.

There are also ocean themed storytimes, crafts, movies, dancing and game programs at the library branches.

For a full list of programs, times and locations, visit www.leelibrary.net/summer. She said although the programs are free, some may need registration and a ticket to attend due to limited space.

In addition to the weekly events, Oceans of Possibilities also includes a reading challenge component for all ages through the READsquared app.

“If you log your books and complete activities, you earn points and those points can earn you entry to the branch prize drawing and grand prize drawing,” McWilliam said.

The drawings are broken down from birth to 5 years old, 6 to 11 years old, 12 to 18 years old and adults, 18 years and older.

“There are winners for each age for each branch,” she said.

The branch prizes are:

– Birth to 5: book basket with YooKido bath toy, ocean animal puzzles, VTech jiggle and giggle fishing set and a canvas tote bag

– Kids: a book basket with Zebco fishing rod, jelly fish tank, growing sea life creatures, sea animal wood puzzle and a canvas tote bag

– Teens: book basket with Okuma Alaris spinning combo fishing pole, JBL waterproof speaker with clip, Turkish towel, waterproof backpack with phone case and clip, as well as a canvas tote bag

– adults: “Books at the Beach” Basket with books, microfiber beach towel, beach mat, beach cup holder, waterproof phone case, library branded material and a canvas tote bag

For the grand prize winners there is one system wide winner.

“We have 13 branches in Lee County,” she said.

The grand prizes are:

– Birth to 5: Little Tikes 4-in-1 Deluxe Playhouse, as well as the branch prize goodies

– Kids: Nintendo Switch bundle with Super Smash Bros, as well as the branch prize goodies

– Teens: Oculus Quest 2, as well as the branch prize goodies

– Adults: Kindle Fire tablet, as well as the branch prize goodies

McWilliam said the Little Tikes playhouse promotes early literacy through imaginary play.

“It’s another way to develop reading, writing and language skills,” she said.

To promote reading, the Summer Reading Program will also provide a free book while supplies last for every child birth to 18 years old.

“They are high-quality books. Great titles for kids that they would find at their book fairs at school. There are tons of graphic novels, new Sunshine State books, easy readers, picture books from all of our favorite authors, board books for babies and even some journal style books,” McWilliam said.

There are also activity booklets for children that include such things as mirror image drawing and connect the dots.

“We sneak in reading by making it fun,” she said.

The Lee County Library System is also making an effort to go out to the summer camps to provide the booklets and free books to the kiddos. McWilliam said they are also working with migrant communities and food banks to make sure everyone has the material, as everyone does not have access to the library.

“We also recognize the fact that parents work and can’t make it to the library,” she said, adding that transportation may be an issue as well.

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