Edwardsville library preps for kickoff of Summer Reading Program

EDWARDSVILLE — The staff at the Edwardsville Public Library will celebrate the start of its Summer Reading Program, “It’s Showtime at Your Library” with its annual kickoff party on Wednesday.

The celebration takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. in Edwardsville’s City Park, directly outside the library.

“As usual, there will be a lot to do and fun to be had,” Edwardsville Public Library Youth Services coordinator Kristen Reno.

She said the Edwardsville Library Friends (ELFs), who sponsor events and prizes offered during the summer, will also hold a Children’s Book Sale.

“We will be visited by the Ice Sister Princesses of Brittain’s Princess Parties, and they are excited to meet and take photos with the kids in attendance,” Reno added.

Community neighbors such as Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville Children’s Museum, YMCA, and We Rock the Spectrum, will bring games and activities for families to try.

“The Bubble Bus is joining us again this year to entertain with music and bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Chef Shoppe will be donating popcorn for snacking, and everyone who attends the party will get a free ice cream treat from the Cool Times ice cream truck, thanks again to the ELFs,” Reno said.

Visitors can stop by the library’s information table at the party to learn more about registering for the Summer Reading Challenge which will be offered online this year through Beanstack. From Beanstack, registrants can log all of their reading, earn badges, and keep track of all of their summer activities.

The library also offers a reading challenge for adults.

“It’s a fun way to work books into your summer activities and earn the chance to win great prizes,” she said.

The Edwardsville Library’s Summer Reading Program officially begins May 28 and ends July 31. For more information, visit the library or check out its website at www.edwardsvillelibrary.org.

READ ARTICLE