Children of all ages are invited to have fun exercising their minds and stretching their imaginations by participating in the Burlington County Library’s System’s 2016 Summer Reading Program featuring an all-new online tracking system.
Kicking off June 20 at all BCLS branches, the eight-week program encourages youngsters to do more than just read; it urges kids to get outside and move, learn about their communities and enjoy a wide variety of special library events.
“The Summer Reading Program is one of the library system’s most popular programs,” said Ranjna Das, director of the Burlington County Library System. “Last year, children across all our branches read more than 11,000 books and this year we hope to see that number topped.”
A new online tracking system will make participating this year even more fun and convenient. Children can create online accounts when visiting any branch or through the BCLS website, allowing them to track their reading activity and earn virtual badges for reaching milestones. Young readers will continue to have the option of tracking their progress in writing by picking up Summer Reading “Badge Books” at their local branches and collecting sticker badges, too.
For every 10 books a child age 5 and under reads, and every four hours a child age 6 and up reads, one badge and prize is earned. There is no reading limit; more reading means more prizes, which may include books, coupons, toys, back-to-school supplies and more.
Additionally, those who create online accounts will have exclusive access to unique features like the new Activity Tracks, interactive step-by-step guides customized for each age group and designed to encourage learning, curiosity and fun. Children can explore a local park they’ve never visited, browse the library’s collection of audiobooks to get ready for a road trip, check out a library museum pass and visit a museum, virtually explore El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with Google Maps, and more.
Kids who complete Activity Tracks are eligible to earn extra prizes. Additional online features include book lists, wish lists, app lists, learning tips and weekly emails with book recommendations that link to the BCLS catalog for easy access.
And all young readers will have plenty of reasons to visit their libraries because BCLS will once again present a wide selection of fun and educational programs at all branches, all summer long. Special system-wide events will include interactive magic shows, exciting science experiments, and live animal presentations. (Please see below.)
The Burlington County Library System includes the County Library in Westampton, and the Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands, and Riverton branches. For more information, contact Danielle Haubrich at (609) 654–6113, or Holly Hoskins at (856) 983–1444, or go to www.bcls.lib.nj.us.
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