Long Beach, CA, is set to become a hotspot for literary enthusiasts as the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) announced it's rolling out its 2024 Summer Reading Program. The highly anticipated event promises locals a bounty of activities and events for all ages, centralized around the theme "Adventure Begins At Your Library." Starting June 8 and running until August 10, the program will be featured across all 12 LBPL locations, offering the community a chance to dive into a world of books and beyond.
"The Summer Reading Program is not just about books – it's about igniting curiosity, fostering creativity and building connections that extend beyond the pages," Mayor Rex Richardson said, as reported by longbeach.gov. The lineup includes performances, magic shows, and a Maker Challenge poised to spark a flame of imagination in young and old alike. Children and teens to set quite a reading benchmark, with prizes lining up for those who manage to fulfill their targets.
Kicking off the program, LBPL has scheduled a lively show by POWERHOUSE!!! Percussive Dance at the Billie Jean King Main Library, setting the tone for an entertaining summer. Kids reading five books earn rewards, while the bar for teens and adults stands at each completed book. With a final grand prize drawing on the line, there's an air of competition to push even the most reluctant reader into grabbing a book.
"Summer Reading is not just about preventing the 'summer slide' in academic skills; it's about fostering a love of books and reading,” Cathy De Leon, Director of Library Services, told longbeach.gov. Alongside delighting in the world of words, LBPL aims to encourage the community to nurture a lifelong appreciation and curiosity for the knowledge and stories that books hold.
Gratitude is due to the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, The Friends of the Long Beach Public Library, and the Port of Long Beach for their support. Their contributions have enabled the provision of a vast array of books and the scheduling of professional entertainment that will surely enrich this summer's program. For more information on registering for the Summer Reading Program, book lovers can visit the LBPL website or give them a ring.
