By Kaitlyn Eichelberger
Read, log your books, take part in fun activities, and earn prizes this summer with the Morgantown Public Library!
Each year, the Morgantown Public Library System offers a reading challenge and an exciting lineup of events for all ages. This summer’s activities include movie nights, story times, take-home craft kits, weekly Squishmallow drawings, yoga classes, educational workshops, and more!
Some events are the product of partnerships with local organizations, including Monongalia County 4-H, WVU’s Department of Biology, and the Fairmont State Creative Sustainability Council.
“These events are really important to get people into the library and meet other people,” says Corina Chang, Manager of Marketing at the Morgantown Public Library System. “It’s the biggest program that we have every year consistently, and we see the most amount of people participating.” Last year, they had nearly 400 sign-ups.
Prizes for the Summer Reading Program vary by age group. Adults have the opportunity to win gift cards to local businesses, including Appalachian Mercantile General Store & Café, Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee Shop, and Rising Creek 2 Tutto Gelato.
Chang explains that local businesses were chosen in an effort to support the community.
“The library is part of the community,” Chang says, “so we want to make sure that we are helping each other out and directing people to other parts of Morgantown.”
The Big Family Book Club, another reading program offered by the library this summer, is a pastime for the whole family to enjoy together. Families will receive a free copy of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, alongside activities and discussion questions. A virtual meeting held on July 23 will allow participants to meet the author.
“The Big Family Book Club is a way that the entire family can read,” Chang explains. “[Reading] doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Reading together means spending more time together, and it opens up conversations.”
Chang explains that motivating your children to love reading starts with being a role model.
“The biggest thing is being an example for your kids and encouraging them to do things that relate to books and the love of books,” Chang says.
Public libraries across the country host events year-round, acting as a setting for community gatherings and connections.
“Libraries are so much more than books,” Chang comments. “Libraries have become community centers. We don’t just offer materials, we provide resources, experiences, and programs to nurture and foster our children so they can grow up to be strong, curious individuals.”
To view the full list of events, visit https://www.mympls.org/events-list-view/
Information and registration for the Summer Reading Program can be found at https://www.mympls.org/registration-open/
Information and registration for the Big Family Book Club can be found at https://www.mympls.org/2022bfbc/
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