School’s out!! This year did not exactly shape up the way anyone was expecting when we started last fall, but here we are. Whether you (parent or student!) limped across the finish line or sprinted – you did it. Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and take a few days to just take a break.
Once you’re done with that break, though, check out our new ONLINE SUMMER READING format! Summer reading starts on Saturday, June 20. The library’s summer reading programs are just for fun (although they do encourage your child to get in those 20 minutes a day!). There’s no competition, minimum requirement, or any other kind of pressure. Although the library itself is not open, we are offering curbside book pickup by appointment, or you can check out ebooks from Hoopla, Overdrive, or Libby.
Read and Bead
There will not be printed reading logs this year. Our entire program is conveniently online! We’re using the ReadSquared platform to track your minutes read, and there are so many bonus features. Kids will earn points for the minutes they read, and will be able to redeem points they earn for beads! (See more about picking up beads below.) Kids can also earn virtual badges for challenges along the way (read for 20 minutes at least 5 days a week or participate in one of our virtual programs). As they earn points, they’ll also unlock little games and activities.
Adults, ReadSquared is simple to use. You can access it on a PC or download the app. You’ll register using a login you create – and then it’s one click for the whole family! You can log time/books read for one family member, or everyone all at once. We’re running summer reading programs for adults (and teens!) too, so you might as well log your time spent reading while you’re in the app!
When you earn beads, you can select which style of beads you want through the ReadSquared prize store. Miss Jess will personally pick and bag them for you! You will have to schedule a time for curbside pickup - unfortunately kids will not be able to hand pick their own beads this year, nor will they be able to trade from one level to the next. Choose carefully before you place your bead order! You can save up points until you have enough for the beads you really want. Save time by scheduling your bead pickup along with your book pickup!
Family Fun Events
Social distancing won’t stop the fun! Join us online for five live virtual family performances. Programs will be presented at 6:00 PM on their respective dates, with recordings of each show available for the following two weeks. Check the Kids’ Events page for more information and links to each program or recording.
Weekly Activities
Virtual storytimes will continue through the summer. For older kids, we’ll also have a craft, STEM, or other general interest program each week that you can watch or participate in. Test your knowledge with Imagine Your Story quizzes, or try to puzzle your way through a virtual escape room on alternating weeks. We’ll even host a virtual Book Chat or two so kids can compare notes on what they’re reading, and maybe get some new ideas from each other. All events will be listed under Kids’ Events.
You can still ask Miss Jess for good book recommendations (email kids@amesfreelibary.org) and place holds on any books you want to read. Also STAY TUNED to our family blog throughout the summer to find out about upcoming events!
School Summer Reading
For our older readers, we have OA and EMS summer reading titles available to put on hold or to find online as an ebook!