Library To Offer Reading Challenge And More

The ELANCO Library Summer Reading Program kicked off with a Dive into Summer celebration on June 4 at the library, 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland. The event included live music by the New Holland Brass, STEM activities, refreshments, and miniature horses. "We wanted to start out with a big, fun community event that included signing up for the reading challenge," said library director Anna D'Agostino.

The kickoff was meant to give area children and adults a taste of the many programs and activities organizers have lined up for the summer months.

Jen Watson, assistant director and youth services coordinator, said that the reading program, which is open to adults as well as children, will continue through Saturday, Aug. 13. "The idea is to encourage kids to read as much as possible and really get them engaged in reading," she explained. "One way we are doing that is offering a ton of programs based on the (Library System of Lancaster County) theme 'Oceans of Possibilities.'" Watson hopes to provide programs that generate excitement so attendees will want to read more about those subjects. Among the many programs she has planned is one about prehistoric oceans on Monday, June 13, at 1 p.m., and a shark dissection for teens and adults on Thursday, July 28, at 6 p.m. "We will do seashell painting (Friday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.) and watercolors (Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m.)," noted Watson. On Monday, July 11, at 1:30 p.m., illusionist Mike Rose will present "H2 Oh!" a magic show based on a water theme. In addition, representatives of Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation will bring macroinvertebrates for participatns to study, while Parks and Recreation staff members talk about stream health when they present Life in the Water on Friday, July 15, at 1 p.m. Those who enjoy art may want to take part in an animation workshop with Keville Bowen on Monday, June 27, at 1:30 p.m.

"We are hoping 1,000 kids will take part in the Summer Reading Program," said Watson. "It should be a very busy summer, and we are very excited about it."

Those who wish to take part in the reading challenge may create a paper log to record their reading adventures or create an online reading log through http://www.elancolibrary.org. Watson noted that participants will receive a small prize for signing up and a packet of coupons from the Lancaster County Library System upon completion of their reading journey. "They will also be able to choose a small prize from the treasure chest, and they will be entered in a drawing to win a large prize at the end of the summer," said Watson, who noted that regularly scheduled activities, such as Toddler Thursdays and Teen Tuesdays, will continue throughout the summer.

D'Agostino pointed out that adults can participate in the reading challenge, as well. "Among prizes for adults is a chance to win a pack of four tickets to Longwood Gardens and gift cards to New Holland Coffee Company," she said, noting that programs for adults will include "Medicare 101" and "The Nuts and Bolts of Estate Planning."