Sara Hightower Regional Library System launches summer reading program with free activities for all ages

Sara Hightower Regional Library System (SHRLS) will launch its Summer Reading Program on May 27th with kickoff programs held at each library branch throughout the week. The kickoff events are scheduled as follows:

• Cave Spring Library: Wednesday, May 28th, 2pm-4pm

  

• Cedartown Library: Thursday, May 29th, 2pm-4pm

• Chattooga Library: Saturday, May 31st, 10am-12pm

• Rockmart Library: Thursday, May 29th, 10am-12pm

• Rome-Floyd County Library: Tuesday, May 27th, 9am-12pm

• Trion Library: Friday, May 30th, 4pm-6pm

Throughout the summer months, the library will offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore creativity, develop social skills, and have fun while reading. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates exploring the world through art. SHRLS will host activities designed to inspire and engage readers through different mediums of artistic expression. Everyone can earn prizes for achieving reading goals and join in-person and online activities.

SHRLS will bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as Storyteller Terrell Shaw, Magician Arthur Atsma, Drummer Dave Holland, The Rome-Floyd County ECO Center, GYSTC, Southeastern Reptile Rescue, and the Little Red Barn Petting Zoo.

Be sure to check the schedule HERE to take advantage of these fun opportunities.

“Summer reading programs at the library are a great way to keep kids engaged and learning while school is out,” said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives. “Kids will earn prizes for achieving reading goals, improve their reading skills, and best of all, have fun. Library programs are one of the few free opportunities for families and individuals to connect, learn, and grow.”

Participants can track their reading and earn badges digitally using Beanstack, available HERE, in addition to traditional paper reading logs.

“Library patrons across the state can look forward to an engaging summer of arts, crafts, writing, and creative exploration built around this year’s theme,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services for Georgia Public Library Service. “Our libraries are community hubs that support literacy and foster lifelong learning.”

Support for summer reading programs is provided in part by funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To learn how you can support these programs, visit georgialibraries.org/support.

More opportunities for families to have fun this summer using their library card:

• Check out a Launchpad interactive learning tablet, which is pre-loaded with apps to encourage language and literacy development.

• Access free ebooks and audiobooks, including popular fiction and nonfiction titles, graphic novels, early readers, and more.

• Borrow Experience Passes for free or reduced admissions to great places around the state, including Georgia State Parks, Alliance Theatre, museums, and more.

• Explore the PINES Kids catalog, which includes books on topics from dinosaurs to princesses. PINES materials are available from more than 300 participating libraries in the state and delivered to your local library.

For more information, visit www.georgialibraries.org/summer-reading.

Accessible Summer Reading Program available for those with reading or vision disabilities

The Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) Summer Reading Program will take place from June 1–July 31. GLS will offer weekly virtual reading clubs for readers of all ages and their families. Participants can also enjoy an exciting lineup of literary and creative arts programming hosted by the National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

The GLS summer reading program is reserved for those who are currently enrolled with Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, a free braille and talking book library service for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio, braille, or other adapted formats. To learn if you or a loved one meets the eligibility requirements to enroll, call 800-248-6701 or email gls@georgialibraries.org.

####

The Sara Hightower Regional Library System (SHRLS) consists of six public libraries in the Northwest Georgia region, serving Chattooga County, Floyd County, and Polk County. The system headquarters is located at the Rome-Floyd County Library in Rome, GA.