By Susan Fisher, MPL—
Muncie, IN—Babies, kids, teens, and even adults can sign up for the Summer Reading Program (SRP) at Muncie Public Library (MPL). The 2021 program runs from June 14 through July 25. This year’s theme is “Tails & Tales” and kids will find fun and fascinating virtual and in-person activities and events, such as science programs, story times, and more. Most in-person events for children will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Kids can also pick up animal-themed take and make kits to enjoy at home.
“Reading is such an important part of learning,” said Akilah S. Nosakhere, MPL Library Director. “Studies have shown that kids can lose important educational gains during the summer break. In response to this, nearly all public libraries offer special incentives for reading during the summer months to prevent this ‘backslide’ in education,” she said. Nosakhere also noted that MPL is working closely with the Whitely Community Council Education Alliance and other community partners to promote learning opportunities to area youth.
SRP prizes include pencils, posters, small toys, food coupons, and books. Children will log their reading time and other activities using paper logs that can be picked up from any MPL branch or they can track their progress online (with a parent’s or guardian’s help) at munciereadsquared.com
SRP sponsors include the Muncie Children’s Museum, the Friends of MPL, Pi Beta Phi, Hot Box Pizza, Dandee Vending, Sunshine Café, Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, Fazoli’s, IHOP, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Dairy Queen, Penn Station, Greek’s, and Culver’s.
Adults can also enjoy a summer reading program and earn entry forms for a raffle to be held at the end of the summer. Prizes include literary-themed totes, coffee mugs, and a gourmet nut prize sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Adults can also sign up at munciereadsquared.com or by visiting any MPL branch. Virtual programs will be held for adults including book discussions and craft how-to sessions.
A library card is never required for participation in any MPL program or event. For more information, including a calendar of events, visit the library website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org.
