Forsyth Library's Summer Reading Program Surpasses Records

Patch Staff

The Forsyth County Public Library is the place to be this summer! With summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults, all four of the library branches are a buzz with excitement.

As of June 18, over 4,500 children, teens, and adults are registered to participate in Summer Reading Fun, which puts the library on track to far exceed the total number of registrants from last summer. In 2013, FCPL had a total of 4,604 patrons participate in Summer Reading Fun. This year, the library is on target to increase the registration total by at least 20 percent.

The Youth Services staff of the library did an unprecedented amount of outreach to the community in April and May to promote summer reading. They visited various schools and community groups and as a result, the library is experiencing the busiest summer yet!

The excitement began in early June with the library’s Summer Kickoff Carnivals. Each of the four branches hosted a carnival that included jugglers, acrobats, puppet shows, crafts, science experiments, and a balloon artist. A grand total of over 2,500 patrons attended the carnivals, which not only entertained but also helped excite children and families about summer reading.

The excitement continues with each branch offering an array of programs for all ages. In addition to regular storytimes and special programs for children and teens, a host of performers continue to visit the branches. Storytellers, magicians, puppeteers, scientists, and more have visited the library so far this summer, all drawing in record audiences. The library will welcome additional performers in July as well, which are sure to wow patrons of all ages.

July 31 marks the last day of summer reading registration and August 2 is the last day to visit the library to redeem prizes. Children and teens who reach their summer reading goals will receive a free paperback book, graciously donated by the FCPL Friends & Advocates. Additionally, each branch will raffle off grand prizes. Two lucky children per branch will win a science kit and one lucky teen per branch will win an iTunes gift card, valued at $25. Adults who participate in summer reading are also entered to win one of four Amazon gift cards, each valued at $25. The grand prizes are made possible by the FCPL Friends & Advocates.

As summer programs wrap up at the end of July, the library will celebrate with finale programs featuring magician Ken Scott as well as ice cream parties at each of the branches. Ken Scott, voted Greater Atlanta Entertainer of the Year, is a seasoned performer who will bring his magic and comedy show to all four branches on July 28 and July 29. The ice cream parties will be held on July 30 and July 31 and each child who meets his or her reading goal is invited to attend.

Additional information about the summer reading program and a calendar of events may be found on the library’s website, www.forsythpl.org.