Summer Reading Program in Full Swing at Local Libraries

Summer Reading Programs at the Pere Marquette District Library in Clare and the Harrison District Library kicked off last week to the beat of drums. Lori Fithian who runs Drummunity out of Ann Arbor set the beat with summer readers. Fithian brings her large collection of drums and percussion toys for a high energy session of fun.

The theme this year is “Oceans of Possibilities” and both libraries are decorated accordingly. In Harrison, high school art teacher Ian Humphres and his students created papier mache sea animals.

Some of the activities scheduled at the libraries include movies, crafts, animal encounters, Chalkapalooza, and the always popular Bubbleman.

According to Nick Loomis, assistant library director for both libraries, enrollment is the highest since before the pandemic and a record number of readers is expected.

A new application is being used to track reading time and to award prizes. Participants can visit either library to sign up or download the READsquared app to sign up. The app is free for Android and iOS devices. If you sign up online, stop by the library for your starter bag. Both programs run through August.

For more information visit www.hdl.org or www.pmdl.org. Support for this the Summer Reading Program comes from the Michigan Council for Art & Cultural Affairs and the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission.