PRESS RELEASES
Contact:
Meg Wilson
(276)676-6382
mwilson@wcpl.net
STEP TO
THE BEAT...READ!
AT THE
WASHINGTON
COUNTY
PUBLIC LIBRARY
’S
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
“Step
to the Beat…Read!” is the theme for the 2004 statewide Summer Reading
Program of Virginia. The Washington County Public Library will be offering
exciting library events to children of all ages beginning
June 15, 2004
. Studies have shown that children who read as few as six books during the
summer will maintain or improve their reading skills. Children who do not
read often have a decline in skills and have to catch up again in the
fall. Programs at the Washington County Public Library are designed to
keep children interested in and excited about books and reading all summer
long.
Registering for the Summer Reading Program means getting a bag of
goodies that will encourage reading and participation in library events.
Bookmarks, reading logs, certificates, temporary tattoos and coupons will
remind kids and parents to Step to the Beat…Read! Participants will get
to write their names on stars to be displayed as the Library’s “Stars
of Summer Reading” – see your name in lights at the library! Every
time a child comes into the library to check out a book this summer, he or
she will get to choose a prize from the Treasure Chest. As an added
incentive, each child will receive a free raffle ticket, good for a chance
to win one of two bicycles to be given away at the end of the summer.
Although many libraries set goals for their participants requiring reading
a certain number of books and multiple library visits, this year we are
leaving goal-setting up to children and their parents. Our objective is to
provide a fun, non-competitive program that emphasizes enjoying libraries
and reading.
We’re kicking off our Summer Reading Events with “Step to the
Beat Carnival of Fun” programs at each of
Washington
County
’s four
branches as well as the Main Library. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and games,
food and prizes with the Chick-Fil-A Cow, Beach Ball Bouncer, Dunking
Booth, and more. The Main Library’s Carnival will be held on Thursday,
June 17 from
1:00
to
3:00
. Join us at
Hayter’s Gap Branch on Tuesday, June 15 at
10:30
. We’ll Step
to The Beat at the Damascus Branch at
1:30
on Tuesday,
June 15. Mendota’s kickoff program will be Wednesday, June 16 at
10:30
; Glade Spring’s at
1:30
on Wednesday,
June 16.
Programs continue for six weeks, through July 22, according to the
following schedule:
Main
Library Programs:
Thursdays at
1:00
and
6:30
Hayters
Gap Branch:
Tuesdays at
10:30
Damascus
Branch:
Tuesdays at
1:30
Mendota
Branch:
Wednesdays at
10:30
Glade
Spring Branch:
Wednesdays at
1:30
Throughout the six-week program, we will enjoy storytellers,
musicians, animals and nature shows, and our grand finale with
award-winning magician Joseph Young. All of the programs are free of
charge, and no registration is required. Children are welcome to attend
any or all of the programs at every location! Detailed schedules are
available in each library, on the library’s website (www.wcpl.net), or
by calling the Children’s Department (676-6382).
Teens are invited to participate in our Teen Summer Reading Program,
Rock-N-Read! Simply review a book, movie or music CD and you’ll be
entered to win prizes such as restaurant coupons, movie tickets, gift
certificates and other great prizes. Details about this program are
available at each library.
The Summer Reading Program has been made possible by the generous
contributions of several individuals, organizations, and companies. These
include Abingdon Rotary Noon Club, Adventure Damascus Bicycle Shop, Alpha
Natural Resources, Chick-Fil-A of Bristol Mall, Madeline Dean,
Food
City
, Food Lion, Paul Ishihara of
Little Debbie Co., Kroger, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy,
Peta Patton
,
Virginia
Creeper Trail Bike Shop and Washington County Moose Lodge #1966. Their
support shows a real commitment to the children of
Washington
County
as well as their dedication to
the improvement of the community. The Friends of the Washington County
Public Library deserve special thanks for organizing the bike raffle and
for their continued financial support.
Enjoy great performances every week! Grab a goodie bag! Choose a
prize from the Treasure Chest! Enter to win a bike! Join the Stars of
Summer Reading! But most importantly, read – Read – READ!
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