Madison Public Library readies for Summer Reading experience

MADISON – One of Madison County youth’s most likable and educational pursuits for summer is underway with the Summer Reading program at Madison Public Library.

The 2024 theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” celebrates exploration of ideas, travel and new ventures. The summer program will continue through July 20.

Madison Public Library launched Summer Reading with its “Read Around the Block” event on June 1. The celebration included outdoor activities, games and Happi Pappi food truck.

In addition, guest author Debbie Dadey visited for a book signing and presentation to the library audience. Dadey’s latest book, “The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids,” will be an excellent choice as a summer thriller. The book’s kids think adults in their life might be vampires, zombies or monsters. They work together to help save their school and city, she said.

Dadey’s newest graphic novel, “Dragons Don’t Cook Pizza,” was published this spring.

“I have written many stories. I’ve sold 182 to be traditionally published,” Dadey said. She likes writing about mythical creatures, as in “My Mermaid Tales,” that combines myth and real ocean creatures in a fun way.

“Unlike some educators, I believe that summer reading should be strictly for fun. After all, adults do not read textbooks on the beach. Why should kids?” Dadey said.

“When a parent helps a student read, it’s my great hope (for) a pleasurable experience. And I truly believe in the power of reading aloud to kids every night,” Dadey said.

Librarians have compiled a Quick Reference Guide for weekly programs and special events. To open the guide, visit hmcpl.org/summer and click the guide’s link:

* Three-year-olds and younger — Baby Storytime, Mondays, 9:30 a.m.; Toddler Storytime, Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.

* Preschoolers — Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.

* School-age children – Library Adventurers, Tuesdays, 4 p.m.; Library Explorers, Thursdays, 4 p.m.

Triana Public Library has this schedule: Teen Art Night, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Library Explorers, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; STEM sessions, Fridays, 11 a.m.

This summer, young readers can receive an Activity Tracker at any branch or print one with the link at hmcpl.org/summer. Complete as many tracker activities as possible. Examples are “Read a non-fiction book about a faraway place,” “Make some art based on a book you read” and “Write a different ending to a story.”

When the youth has finished, return the tracker to any library branch by July 20 for prize drawing eligibility. For questions, call 256-461-0046.

Youth can get e-books and audiobooks on Hoopla at hoopladigital.com and Overdrive at vdl.overdrive.com.

Students can check for books designated as required summer reading at their schools. Visit the library’s LibGuide at guides.hmcpl.org/summerreading2023/home. Reading lists are available for Huntsville City Schools, Madison Academy, Madison City Schools and Randolph School.

The Madison branch will conduct special sessions throughout summer, such as movie nights, demonstrations, arts and crafts and featured speakers. Check for Madison’s events at hmcpl.org/events, and search for “Madison” and specify a start/end date.

For more information, email madison@hmcpl.org, visit hmcpl.org/madison or subscribe to Summer Reading’s newsletter at lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/OeUVZ2u.