Local Libraries Celebrate Summer Reading Program

NOTE: A list of kick-off events follows this release.

Even in July and August, Nova Scotia young people are cracking the books. But in those months, it's for summer reading programs offered through local libraries.

All libraries across Nova Scotia are offering the Summer Reading Club, encouraging children age five to 12 years old to read books this summer.

Program registration is available at local library branches. The program runs until the end of August.

"Encouraging our children to be active readers over the summer months will help them build confidence in their reading skills, which is key to success in education," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "Our public libraries offer free access to a wide range of programs and collections that will help participants continue to develop their reading skills."

Last year, more than 10,000 children participated in the summer reading club.

This year's participants will have fun exploring the theme Lost Worlds. Each participant will receive a reading kit with a poster, sticker sheet, and a logbook to track progress. Many libraries will also offer reading games, discussions, book-related crafts, author visits and story-telling sessions.

Participants are encouraged to contact local library branches to find out more about launches and special events over the summer.

The Summer Reading Club is a national initiative organized by TD Bank Financial Group in co-operation with Library and Archives Canada, and implemented annually through public libraries.

NOTE: Kick-off parties are taking place at the following library branches.

Friday, June 22:

• Dartmouth North Public Library, 134 Pinecrest Dr., Dartmouth, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 23:

• Tatamagouche Branch Library, 237 Main St., Tatamagouche, 9 a.m.

• Truro Branch Library, 754 Prince St., Truro, 11 a.m.

Monday, June 25:

• Parrsboro Public Library, 10 Queen St., Parrsboro, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, June 26:

• Mount Uniacke Branch Library, 555 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke, 1 p.m.
• Stewiacke Branch Library, 295 George St., Stewiacke, 1 p.m.
• Springhill Public Library, Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre, 75 Main St., Springhill, 4 p.m.
• Pugwash Public Library, Pugwash Village Commission, 124 Water St., Pugwash, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27:

• River Hebert Branch Library, 2730 Barronsfield Rd., River Hebert, 10:30 a.m.
• Oxford Branch Library, 22 Water St., Oxford, 2 p.m.
• Mulgrave Branch Library, 390 Murray St., Mulgrave, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• J.D. Shatford Public Library, 10353 St. Margaret's Bay Rd. (#3 Hwy), Hubbards, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 28:

• Bedford Public Library, Wardour Centre, 15 Dartmouth Rd., Bedford, 10 a.m.
• Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, 10:30 a.m.
• Captain William Spry Public Library, Captain William Spry Community Centre, 10 Kidston Rd., Halifax, 1:30 p.m.
• Spring Garden Rd. Memorial Public Library, 5381 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, 2 p.m.
• Elmsdale Branch Library, 15 Commerce Ct., Elmsdale, 2 p.m.
• Keshen Goodman Public Library, 330 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, 2 p.m.
• Tantallon Public Library, Hubley Centre, 3646 Hammonds Plains Rd., Upper Tantallon, 2:30 p.m.
• Four Fathers Memorial Library, 21 Acadia St., Amherst, 10 a.m.
• Alderney Gate Public Library, 60 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth, 2:30 p.m.
• Cole Harbour Public Library, Cole Harbour Place, 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, June 29:

• Advocate Harbour Branch Library, 93 Mills Rd., Advocate Harbour, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, July 3:

• Pictou Library, 40 Water St., Pictou, 10:30 a.m.
• Woodlawn Public Library, Woodlawn Centre, 114 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, 2:30 p.m.
• Petit de Grat Branch Library, 3435 Highway #206, Petit de Grat, 2:30 p.m.
• Sherbrooke Branch Library, 11 Main St., Sherbrooke, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 5:

• Halifax North Memorial Public Library, 2285 Gottingen St., Halifax, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, July 6:

• Port Hawkesbury Branch Library, Strait Area Education-Recreation Centre, 304 Pitt St., Port Hawkesbury, 11 a.m.