For Immediate Release
Summer Read Activities at Mattoon Public Library
MATTOON – Weekly prizes, multiple special events, regular activities and waiving past fines highlight Summer Read activities at the Mattoon Public Library.
The theme “A Universe of Stories,” promotes exploring through books for all ages. “We’ve lined up amazing presentations, crafts and story times that reflect the theme,” said Beth Pugh, community engagement director. “We have a variety of fun activities throughout the summer to keep the kids engaged. Families also are encouraged to stop in any time and enjoy our expanded selection of activities on the second floor.”
No preregistration is required. Children simply sign up the week of June 3 or any time thereafter to log their reading time. To qualify for weekly prizes, babies/toddlers read or are read to one hour per week. Children ages 3-10 read two hours per week to claim their prize. Teens/young adults receive a prize for each week they read three hours. Children who complete six of the eight weeks are entered into a drawing for a grand prize, with one grand prize per age category.
Adults (ages 19 and up) receive a prize after reading four books. Those who complete four books are entered into a drawing for an adult grand prize.
No library card is required to participate and all library events are free.
“We are waiving past fines for children ages 18 and under when they sign up for the program,” Pugh said. “This is another way for the library to encourage everyone to participate in the program and use our facility.”
A few event highlights include Madcap Puppets presenting “The Great Space Caper,” at 1:30 p.m. June 5; Parkland College presenting a traveling space suit show on June 13 at 9:30 a.m.; Douglas-Hart Nature Center programs at 10 a.m. June 20 and July 18.
Weekly library activities include teen game club on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; toddler time each Friday at 10 a.m. and story time every Monday at 4:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
