Within the pages of a book, readers can add color to their life through experiencing new perspectives, worlds, and people. On June 1, the Rock Island Public Library kicks off a colorful summer of reading and events with a "Curbside Colorama" event.
Within the pages of a book, readers can add color to their life through experiencing new perspectives, worlds, and people. From June 1 to July 31, Reading Colors Your World at the Rock Island Public Library will encourage readers of all ages to be creative, try new things, explore art and color, and see the beauty of diversity.
Rock Island Public Library will kick off this vibrant summer of reading and fun with a “Curbside Colorama Kickoff” from 3:30 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 1 outside the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. Participants can drive or walk through to pick up their summer reading kit, get a yard sign (while supplies last), and meet some colorful RIPL staff. No-screen activities include sidewalk chalk art, yard games, and a contest to guess the number of beach balls inside the library car. The Kona Ice truck will also sell colorful frozen treats from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Downtown location.
While most of the colorful fun will be at the Downtown Library, summer reading kits will also be available for pickup while supplies last at the Southwest Library at 9010 Ridgewood Road.
Summer reading participants may enter and track anytime from June 1 through July 31 with the library’s Beanstack site or app. Participants can read whatever they want (print, eBooks and audiobooks all count,) and earn rewards for reaching summer reading goals. A downloadable print log for all ages is also available via the Library’s website.
While there’s no set list of what to read, library staff are happy to offer some colorful suggestions. For ideas, see your favorite librarian, check out from a book display, pick up the summer reading guide, or watch Facebook Live for teen book talks on Tuesdays at 3:45 pm or children’s book talks on Fridays at 10:30 am. Both online programs can be viewed on demand later. The library also offers reader newsletters, and blogs for adult and teen book reviews and suggestions.
Library summer events include a mix of take-home kits, virtual lessons, and open-air programs that make the most of the great outdoors. Summer reading challenges encourage kids, teens, and adults alike to keep on reading over the summer, a proven strategy for reducing summer learning loss, improving school success in general, and modeling reading as a lifelong activity. For more details on summer events, see the library calendar.
Full reading program details for all ages available via the library website, on the Library Reading Challenges page.