You know it is summer at Onondaga Free Library when you see children excited about the piles of books they hope to read and win the coveted Gannon’s Ice Cream token. Things may look a little different due to COVID-19 safety protocols in place at the library, but the summer reading program is in full swing thanks to the Friends of OFL.
If your family has not signed up yet, there is still plenty of time! Onondaga Free Library’s Imagine Your Story summer reading program runs through August 31st and there are a lot of great prizes up for grabs!
The library’s Youth Services team have made it easier than ever for children and teens to join the fun. The program has moved completely online – families can register at www.oflibrary.org or by downloading the new ReadSquared app onto their mobile device. Kids entering grades K-6 can set their own reading goal and will earn a free ice cream from Gannon’s when they reach 50 percent of their goal and a free book when they complete their goal. Teens entering grades 6-12 and adults simply log books for chances to win gift cards.
In-person summer programming has also been moved online, but continues to be a great way for families to engage with their favorite librarians and special guest presenters. Drop-in during a virtual story time and say hello to Ms. Kori, learn a new craft with Ms. Debbie in the American Girl program or watch the MOST perform fun science experiments. Check out the library’s online calendar for all the great virtual programs they are offering this summer.
If you are looking for screen free activities, the library can help! New this summer, OFL is offering fun take home activity kits. Through August 31st (or while supplies last), families can sign up for a S.T.E.A.M. or Storybook kit. With the S.T.E.A.M. kit, kids will have fun creating a treasure map of their backyard, going on a nature scavenger hunt, planting magical beans, building their own zip line and more. With the Storybook kit, kids can write their own fairy tale in a mini journal using fun fairy tale writing prompts. Once complete, children can share their storybook with family and friends or return the book to the library and we will add it to our collection! Visit our online calendar or call the library to reserve your kit today.
We hope to see more families join the fun this summer at their local library! Learn more about Onondaga Free Library’s Summer Reading program at www.oflibrary.org. Follow us on Facebook @OnondagaFreeLib or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of our events and reopening information.
