New Castle, DE – New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced the 2021 Summer With the Library Program is underway.
The program gives children, teens, and adults the opportunity to explore, play, and read all summer long.
Between June and August, libraries are offering a wide variety of virtual programs relating to this year’s theme, “Tales and Tails.” Learn about animals, check out a magic show, rap with Baba Bomani, explore the Kalmar Nyckel, watch special music and dance performances, participate in bi-lingual storytimes, and so much more. You can see a full list of available programs by visiting our online calendar. These events are free and will take place via Facebook or Zoom. Registration may be required.
New Castle County Libraries also invite you to challenge yourself to a summer of reading for a chance to win prizes. Children and teens who sign up for the challenge may automatically earn a free badge book (contact your local library for details). Kids who read 10 hours between June 1 and August 21 will win a free book. Adults who read four books are entered to win a prize.
Participating in the summer reading challenge can help prevent learning loss for children and teens. Reading just two to three hours a week can help kids maintain or improve their reading skills. “The pandemic disrupted learning for many of our children and teens,” said County Executive Matthew Meyer. “Reading over the summer can help prepare them for the new school year and position them to succeed. We also encourage families with infants and early readers to read aloud together. Parent-child reading can help children learn and develop their foundational literacy skills.”
Here is how the summer reading challenge works:
1. Create an account with Beanstack (https://nccde.beanstack.org). You can register as individual participants or register as a family, group or class. Need help? Contact your local library.
2. Children and teens who register can visit the library pick up a free badge book to track their reading.
3. Log your reading between June 1 and August 21, 2021. Children and teens log the time spent reading and adults log the books read on Beanstack’s website or in the Beanstack Tracker app. (Apple or Android).
4. Children and teens will receive a book for the first 10 hours read and virtual badges afterward. See who can collect the most.
5. Adults who read four books are eligible for a prize. Contact your local library for additional details.
For more information about the Summer With the Library program, including where and how kids can sign up to participate, visit
https://www.nccde.org/875/Summer-Reading or contact your local library.