Traditional summer reading programs that involve stopping in at the library to check out a pile of books, participating in crafts and enjoying other fun in-person activities likely won't happen in libraries across the country this year. But two local library systems have announced they're going virtual.
In Wake County, Summer @ the (Virtual) Library kicks off on today, Sunday, June 14, and will run through Aug. 15.
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“We know that COVID-19 has impacted everyone and changed how we go about our daily lives,” said Ann Burlingame, deputy director of Wake County Public Libraries, in a press release. “While we continue to work on our plan to reopen the libraries to the public, we’re excited to offer some fun, new, virtual ways for residents to interact with our librarians and staff over the summer.”
As part of Wake's program, readers can track their progress on BookPoints, a mobile-friendly interface that will let them earn points and badges to be entered into weekly and end-of-summer prize drawings. Plans also include online performances by magicians, scientists and origami artists, special programs for grade schoolers, escape rooms and a writing contest for teens and more. The summer reading program launches just as the system opens up its new Books on the Go program, which will let library patrons pick up reserved books at select library locations.
Wake County's website has more information about how to participate.
And, over the weekend, the Chapel Hill Public Library announced that it is still offering a summer reading program even though the museum building will not host any in-person programs this summer.
The library also will remain closed during this second phase of the state's reopening plan. But, after testing curbside book pickup with some library patrons last month, the library does plan to scale up its curbside pickup service to all residents starting on June 15, according to the town.
In a YouTube video about the summer reading program, library staff talked about the importance of reading all summer and what a virtual program will look like. Families who sign up will get a calendar to track their progress, a window or yard sign to show off their participation and, like always, a free book at the end of the summer. Online, the library will share storytimes and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs, among others.
The goal, according to a press release, was to provide an uncomplicated and straightforward program that is easy for everyone to participate in.
“We recognized that there is a lot of angst, stress, and mental fatigue amongst everyone right now, especially families," Library Director Susan Brown said in a press release. "We designed a program that celebrates the joys of reading and the diversity of our community.”
More information is on the library's website.