Join in on the Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program: All Together Now
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library will be bringing the community together this year with their 2023 Summer Reading Program, All Together Now. 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 Huntsville Madison County Public Library is thrilled to announce their 2023 Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now” to families at all 10 branch libraries in Madison County. This Summer we are so excited to bring programming back into the library with weekly events from Rise Raptor, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, and many more! HMCPL is committed to beating the Summer Slide by promoting creativity, literacy and fun,” said Jessica Lister, Manager of Outreach Services at HMCPL.
How Does the Summer Reading Program Work?
In addition to all the fun programming, kids will play a game of Summer Reading Bingo with their summer reads. Starting May 30, a Summer Reading Bingo card can be picked up at all 10 library branches or can be printed from their website. Families will complete as many of the Bingo activities as possible before returning the card back to the library to be entered for a cool prize drawing. Cards are due July 20 to be entered in the drawing.
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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