Madison Public Library to kick-off summer reading program with block party June 1
MADISON – Summer is here and so is the Madison Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. A special kick-off block party for the program will be held Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. There will be a reptile show at 11 a.m.
This year, the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 by inviting every child to explore a “Universe of Stories” this summer. Information about joining the Summer Reading Club can be picked up at the library starting May 28.
“It’s easy and best of all, it’s free,” said Mandy Pinyan, Manager of Outreach Services.
All children through 5th grade may participate in a variety of programs at any one of the branches, including Madison. From animal programs, art programs, and STEAM-based learning experiences, the library has several great programs and activities lined up.
“Summer reading is an opportunity for students to avoid the summer slide,” Pinyan said. “Studies have shown that students who don’t read or read rarely during the summer experience a loss or stagnation of reading skills. That is why our program is so important.”
Other branches within the library system are also planning block parties to kick-off the summer reading program. They include:
• Elizabeth Carpenter Public Library of New Hope: Friday, May 31 from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
• Tillman D. Hill Public Library of Hazel Green: Saturday, June 1 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
• Triana Public Library: Saturday June 1 at 5:00 p.m.
• Bailey Cove Branch Library’s Magic Show with Doctor Osborn: Tuesday, June 4 at 3:30 p.m.
To close the summer of reading, there will be a special celebebration for all the branches on Friday, July 26, from 4-7 p.m., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Davidson Center. Admission is free and there will be plenty
of fun activities for families.
“Last year, we hosted over 33,000 children with close to 800 programs across our 12-branch system. It is easily our busiest time of the year and that is how we like it- that means more children are reading,” said Pinyan.
For more details about kids’ programs, including required summer reading lists for your child’s school, visit hmcpl.org/summer. You can also search for “universe” on our event calendar for specific summer programs at hmcpl.org/events
About Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
This is the public’s library. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is a nonprofit 12-branch system that serves all of Madison County, Ala. For 200 years, the library has been dedicated to enriching the educational, recreational and cultural lives of communities in Madison County through materials, information and programs that foster a lifelong love of learning. In addition to the collection of over 500,000 items, HMCPL also provides outreach services, a BookMobile and BookBike, online services, training, an extensive digital collection, public-use computers, free Wi-fi, meeting spaces and much more. For more information about HMCPL and its services, please visit hmcpl.org.
