Go on an Adventure with HMCPL’s 2024 Summer Reading Program
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library invites the community to go on an adventure this year with their 2024 Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. The program will take place at all 10 of the library branches throughout the county and include special storytimes, movie days, and more throughout the months of June and July. Best part of all? It’s all about having fun, so there’s no need to worry about reading levels or points!
The Summer Reading program celebrates adventure, travel, and trying new things.
How Does the Summer Reading Program Work?
In addition to all the fun programming, kids can further their literary adventures with the Activity Tracker. Starting May 28, you can pick up an Activity Tracker at any of the locations or print one at home. Complete as many of the activities as you can and when you’re finished, return your tracker to any Library branch by Saturday, July 20 to be entered into the final drawing to win cool prizes! Some branches may also have small incentive prizes to give out all summer long. When turning in the Activity Tracker, please make sure that your contact information is complete and legible. If you have any questions about Summer Reading, please contact your local branch.
The cards include fun activities like reading near the water, reading a story by a new author, reading to a stuffed animal, reading at the library, and more. In addition, there’s weekly storytimes and programming for all ages to enjoy.
For the Tweens & Teens
Every summer, select HMCPL locations offer special volunteer opportunities for teens age 14-18. Please fill out the Teen Volunteer Application for your local Library and fulfill any additional requirements. Please note that applications are only accepted between the dates listed for each location and not all applications offer teen volunteer opportunities. You can contact the branch near you for more details or take a look at our Teen Summer Volunteering article.
Teens and tweens can also enjoy special storytimes and book clubs just for them! Find options near you, below or check out the library’s event calendar.
Madison Public Library:
Teen Tabletop Games – Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4 p.m.
South Huntsville Library:
Huntsville Chess Club – Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
This Summer Slide is NOT the Fun Kind
Studies show that lack of access to reading materials over the summer months when children are not in school can have a serious, detrimental effect on learning retention. Have you ever heard the phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it?” Well, it’s true. For learning in particular it’s called the Summer Slide and it’s NOT the fun kind. The bad news is that this slide’s effects can be cumulative, making it harder and harder to “catch up” over the years.
Beating the Summer Reading Slump
Reading just 15-20 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Study after study shows that reading, and reading consistently, is beneficial. A child doesn’t have to be a stellar reader to begin with. As long as there is consistency, then fluency can be built upon. Read WITH your child. Here’s just a few ways to do that:
- Check out the audio book along with the print copy.
- Read the book, and then watch the movie together.
- Read the book, then visit a place mentioned or imagine what that place might look like together.
For more details about kids’ programs, including required summer reading lists for your child’s school, visit hmcpl.org/summer. You can also search the library event calendar for specific virtual summer programs at hmcpl.org/events.
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