(Belcamp, Maryland – June 17, 2014) Babies, children and teens waited with anticipation on Monday morning to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, Fizz Boom READ, at Harford County Public Library. Over 3,300 readers signed up on the first day of the program! Opening day was celebrated with kick-off activities at the Bel Air and Aberdeen libraries that included special guest appearances by Tales, the Library mascot, and Ferrous, the IronBirds mascot. Along with the program sponsors greeting and talking with families, children were entertained by story times and bubble science experiments.
“Summer is the perfect time for our youth to continue their reading adventures through the Summer Reading Program,” said Library Director Mary Hastler. “Research shows that reading through the summer helps students retain their reading skills and online registration makes it easy for everyone to participate!”
Children and teens can sign up for the Summer Reading Program online at HCPLonline.org or at any Library branch. The “Read to Me” program is for birth through pre-school readers and their caregivers. Children are encouraged to listen to 25 books. Elementary school participants can Fizz Boom READ by reading 10 books, and middle school and high school students can take part in Spark a Reaction by reading 3 books. All children and teens who register for the program receive a coupon sheet that includes valuable coupons for free local entertainment and treats.
Children birth through elementary school receive a book when they complete the program; middle school students can select a book or journal and high school students will receive a $10 Walmart gift card when they complete. All children and teens who complete the program will also receive a voucher for a free IronBirds ticket. Incentives are while supplies last.
“We are grateful for the support of our many sponsors, Friends groups, volunteers, and staff whose combined efforts made for an outstanding kick-off,” stated Library Foundation Director, Amber Shrodes. “It was wonderful to see so many young customers excited to start reading this summer and the generous support of our sponsors helps make it all possible.”
Sponsors of this year’s program include Jones Junction, Walmart, Susquehanna Bank, Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association, HarCo Credit Union, Aberdeen Rotary Club, Darlington Friends of HCPL, Berardino Family Trust, Advanced Eye Care, The Aegis, APG Federal Credit Union, Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Huether-McClelland Foundation, Wegman’s and the Aberdeen IronBirds. In-kind coupon sponsors include Baltimore Streetcar Museum, Bertucci’s, Flavor Cupcakery, Ice World, Jarrettsville Creamery & Deli, KFC/Taco Bell, MaizeQuest, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Rita’s Ice, Texas Roadhouse, Yoga Fresh and Yogurt Mountain.
Throughout the summer the Library will have programs and fun for everyone including a fun romp in the swamp with musical performer Billy B, the magical Mike Rose and visits from Wildlife Adventures, the Extreme Balloon Man, FutureMakers, Mad Science, Candy & Cupcake, InterAct Story Theatre and more!
The Harford County Public Library Summer Reading Program runs through August 16th. Please visit HCPLonline.org or pick up a Headlines & Happenings Newsletter at any of the Library’s 11 branches for more information on programs and other events.
Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves 182,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of over 4.1 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.
