Darlington County Library hosts Summer Reading Program

This year, Darlington County Library System celebrates the joy of reading with the 2023 Summer Reading and Learning Program, “All Together Now!”  This free two month series of special programs kicks off May 19th with the opening of “Early Bird” registration for children, teens, and adults to read and earn prizes.  Those who register early (May 19th-June 11th) will be entered into a drawing for a family of four season to the Neptune Island Water Park in Hartsville.  The program officially starts May 30th and goes through July 31st.  There will be special programs all summer and prizes for participants young and old.  The weekly programs at all four locations kick off on June 6th and 7th with performances by the Gray Seal Puppets.   

The Library sponsors a summer reading program for children, teens, and adults every year.  “This year’s Summer Reading and Learning Program, “All Together Now,” is a celebration of the joy and fun of reading,” said Director Jimmie Epling.  “We want children, teens, and adults to discover through reading something that sparks their interest, imagination, and connection to the world around them. 

“There are two reasons the Library has a Summer Reading and Learning Program,” according to Director Epling. “One is to encourage children to continue reading during their summer break so that they may maintain their reading skills and prevent the onset of what is known as the “Summer Slide” to teachers, librarians, and parents.  A child who does not continue reading during their summer vacation often experiences a slip of two months or more in their reading skills behind where the child was at the end of the school year.  We want to inspire children and teens to continue reading during their time off this summer with our Summer Reading and Learning Program.  The second reason is to support the Department of Education’s “Read to Succeed” program which is dedicated to ensuring South Carolina’s children have the reading and writing skills needed to succeed in today’s world.”

Children, teens, and adults can register to join the fun by visiting any location of the Library or by going to our webpage at www.darlington-lib.org/summer-reading-and-learning-program-2023/.  Choose your age group, “Beginners” (0-5 years old), “Children” (6-12 years old), “Teens” (13–17 years old), or “Adults” (18-older).  When you register online you will find a link to the 2023 Summer Reading and Learning Program’s treasure map, schedule of special events, reading badge prizes, and the prizes to choose from in the grand prize drawing.  

This year all you need do is record the time you read to earn five colorful animal themed badges to display on a special “All Together Now” lanyard and become eligible for the grand prize drawing in your age group at the location you registered for the program.  A unique badge is earned when you have read the required minutes for each (180, 400, 560, 720, and 900) and by performing a community service to earn a “Darcy’s Helper” badge featuring a picture of our mascot, Darcy.  Check out the badges and the possible prizes you may win by going to the Library’s webpage at www.darlington-lib.org/summer-reading-and-learning-program-2023/.   

Our series of special summer reading programs for the whole family begin June 6th and run through July 19th.  Each location of the Library, Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar, and Society Hill, will have special programs every week.  You can check their individual schedules on our website at www.darlington-lib.org/summer-reading-and-learning-program-2023/ for details.  The programs include VERY special visits by animals from the Black Creek Wildlife Center and Narrow Way Nature Center, as well program featuring the Gray Seal Puppets, Sharon the Storyteller, Bright Star Theater, and much more.     

For a full schedule of programs and times for each Library, go to our website at www.darlington-lib.org/summer-reading-and-learning-program-2023/.  The “Adventure Island” map to track your reading and a complete prize list may be found on the website as well.

The staff of the Darlington County Library System always looks forward to the summer reading program.  This year we want everyone to discover the joy and fun of reading, listening, and watching and by becoming part of the Library’s “All Together Now” 2023 Summer Reading and Learning Program. 

For more information, call or visit the Library’s branches or visit our website at www.darlington-lib.org.

Darlington, 204 North Main Street, Darlington, (843) 398-4940.

Hartsville, 147 West College Avenue, Hartsville, (843) 332-5115.

Lamar, 103 East Main Street, Lamar, (843) 326-5524.

Society Hill, 114 Carrigan Street, Society Hill, (843) 378-0026.

Author: Stephan Drew

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