Summer Library Program about to launch at Galion Public Library

The Galion Public Library is gearing up for two months of adventure in June and July.

The Summer Library Program, also called the Summer Reading Program, has been observed by libraries since the 1890s in an effort to encourage school-aged children to use their library throughout the summer to develop a habit of reading.

Galion has broken its program into different age groups, each with their own program structure, prizes and goals to reach. The program age groups are Early Literacy Adventure for children birth through kindergarten; children grades first through fifth; teens in grades six through 12 and adults, from graduates to seniors.

Children in the Early Literacy Adventure program will complete a bingo sheet by practicing early literacy skills. Kids in first-fifth grades will receive a Croc bracelet to fill by earning stamps for reading and going on adventures. Earning stamps will reward them with a ticket for the grand prize drawings and their choice of a Croc charm for the bracelet.

Teens will participate in Monopoly. They will attend library programs, provide recommendations, reading books and go on adventures to claim spaces on the board. Completing spaces earns tickets toward weekly and grand prize drawings, with prizes chosen by the Teen Advisory Board.

Sign-ups for the Youth Summer Library Programs begin June 5.

Adults interested in participating in their own Summer Reading Program will receive a handmade reading passport that will be filled out for each book read throughout June and July. Participants will be asked to record information about the book, the date finished, number of pages, as well as the title, author and genre of the book.

Participants will give it an overall rating, fill out their thoughts about the book in the "travel log" section, and bring it into the library to stamped. Each stamp earns one entry into the weekly and grand prize drawings.

Prize drawings consist of literary-themed goods, such as candles, pins and totes. Sign-ups for the Adult Summer Library Program begin June 1.