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Politics & Government

Local Summer Reading Clubs Have Chapters for Everyone from Infants to Adults

Check out the scene at the summer reading kickoff, sponsored by the Howard County Library, on June 4.

Have you heard of this place called the library? Howard County has one of the best-ranked library systems in the country, and the summer reading program is no exception.

Starting June 1, you can sign up for the summer reading club. Everyone from infants to adults can participate. Each age group has its own book list, and you can either read your own selection of books or the books off the list; what’s most important is that you read.

Oh, and there's prizes, pretty cool prizes, for reading and engaging with the books.

To develop early literacy skills and foster a love of reading, infants to 3-year-olds have their own special game to play. Their theme is “My World.” Books for this age group help young minds learn about the world they live in.

For the next crop of readers, the theme is "One World, Many Stories." This category is broken down into several age groups and book lists: kindergarten and first grade, second and third grade, and fourth and fifth grade. Kids take a journey around the world, learning about multiculturalism and how we’re different yet the same with selections like The Name of This Book is Secret. After reading or listening to six books, kids are able to pick out a prize. The maraca pen will sure to be the hot item, because it's multifunctional, it’s a pen and it’s annoying.

As a middle school teacher, I’m excited for "You Are Here" group. Kids need to earn at least 100 "Book Bucks" to participate in the raffle, which happens in mid-August and includes prizes like Dave & Buster's gift cards, iTunes gift cards and bikes. There’s lots of ways to earn Book Bucks: filling out a reading log, writing book reviews, attending library events, completing a weekly survey, and bringing in postcards of places you went on vacation.

Oh, and the books on the book lists are amazing! There are two book lists—one for middle school students and one for high school. Many of them are on my own MUST READ list (e.g., The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod : Eighth Grade BitesForgeHalf BrotherThe True Meaning of SmekdayBefore I Fall.)

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The library has been visiting local schools to get kids excited about reading, so ask your child about it.

Let’s not forget the adults. For the grown-ups of Howard County, the theme is "Novel Destinations." With books by Gregory Maguire, Jodi Picoult and nonfiction books about chocolate and Mars (not the chocolate company), there’s something on the list for everyone. Join in the fun and you could win a Nook color.

The summer reading kick-off starts on June 4 at the East Columbia branch. There’s a family 5K and afterward the kick-off complete with face-painting, animals and a dragon dance. Check out the link for whole schedule.

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With temperatures already soaring, why go outside? Why not curl up on your couch and melt into a good book instead. 

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