The Library announces its summer challenge program The Universe Awaits. This summer is about exploring and expanding our universe. We have created an assortment of events and activities including reading incentive programs for kids ages 0 to middle grades, teens and adults.
Adult Summer Challenge
Let’s read! This summer, dare to read something that expands your universe beyond the usual. We challenge you to try a genre, topic or author that is new to you.
Read 20 minutes a day at least four times a week. Each week, fill out a bookmark from the welcome kit or share your experience online. Drop off the bookmark at the Library or use this form to submit your reading. There will be weekly prizes.
For full details, sign up at fppl.org/expandyouruniverse
Young Adult Summer Challenge
Stop by the Young Adult Lounge to pick up a Summer Challenge card. Check off the activities and enter finished cards at the Library to win the grand prize. Enter multiple times for more chances to win.
Kids Summer Reading Program
The Youth Services summer reading game is open to babies through seventh grade. Registration for this summer’s program, The Universe Awaits, begins June 1 through Beanstack, our summer reading registration platform. For families that have registered for previous summer programs, they will just need to login to their Beanstack account and click to opt-in for this year’s challenge. New registrants can sign up online or with the assistance of library staff.
Our summer challenge encourages exploration and discovery through reading, play, and STEM, so participants progress in the game by tracking days spent reading, and gain extra progress through attending Library activities or completing bonus challenges. Incentives are earned by reaching milestone points and by completing the program. In addition, all finishers will be eligible for a special drawing.
Families with pre-readers can track time read aloud for reading progress, and readers may track time read aloud as well as independent reading. The program is meant to encourage and support readers at all levels through recreational reading, so even though a reading list will be available as a jumping off point, all books and formats count towards the program, including ebooks and audiobooks. Families and readers can track their progress on paper with a summer badge book or pre-reader reading log, or can choose to track purely online through Beanstack or the free Beanstack Tracker app available in Apples’ App Store and Google Play.
We’ll accept final check-ins through the end of the day Saturday, August 5.
Remember, research studies have shown that daily reading for even 20 minutes a day can contribute to vocabulary-building, building brain connections that support cognitive, social, and emotional development and a number of other benefits. Participation in the program is a great way for families to help their children maintain or even boost the skills they’ve developed over the past school year through the summer and have fun while they’re doing it!
Blast Off to Summer Kickoff Party
Friday, June 9 from 6-8 pm
Sign Up
Summer Events
For Pre-K
For Kids
For Middle Grades
For Young Adults
For Adults
See the full event calendar here or check out the summer newsletter here.
Summer Activities
We have several activities to participate in this summer. Click on the link to find out more.
StoryWalk: Mae Among the Stars
If you have questions about anything, we are happy to help! Give us a call at 708-366-7171, email us at askus@fppl.org, or send a Facebook message on our page @forestparkreads.
Stay up-to-date with everything happening at the Library through our social media (Facebook & Instagram) or by signing up for our e-newsletter at fppl.org/enewsletter.