Summer Reading and Fun Family Programs Begin at the Library

Families all over Marin County are excited about the fun they’ll have together when school is out. Make note that the Marin County Free Library has a recommendation: Reading should be part of your summer plans -- because it is fun, too. Our Summer Reading Programs offer free constructive, supervised enrichment activities in which youths and adults can learn and socialize.

First, look at the opportunities for the younger set. Our library branches offer a summer reading program for children through Aug. 10. Reading over the summer helps children maintain and increase their reading skills, and reading for fun broadens their horizons and develops new interests. Our young summer readers receive a prize every week when they read at least three hours. In addition to our Mother Goose on the Loose program Thursdays at 11:00am, and weekly story time on Thursdays at 3:30pm and Saturdays at 11:00am, we have several special programs planned this summer.  "Green Golly and her Golden Flute" will be performed Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm for ages 4 and up.  This introduction to classical music inspires children to listen actively and imagine creatively.  Other programs include "Read to a Dog" and the puppet show "Puppylocks and the Three Bears."

We have a robust lineup for teens as well. Young readers post opinions online about books they have read, and they qualify for a weekly raffle to win a gift card of tickets to a San Francisco Giants game for every review posted. Teens can participate in other programs such as making sushi, tasting chocolate or learning henna art. Sign-ups are required for most programs. 

There are incentives for adults as well. For each book review submitted by Summer Reading Program participants, 50 cents will be donated by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library to the Marin Food Bank for up to a total of $500. Each review will equal one chance to win a raffle prize at the end of the program.  One of Fairfax Library's grand prizes is a gift certificate to Good Earth Natural Foods (thanks GE!).  Adults who sign up will select a complimentary cookbook courtesy of the Friends of the Library bookstore, the Book Place in Novato.  Programs for adults include "Dress Up Your Salads" and "Gifts from the Kitchen."

The library is also encouraging everyone to “Acquire a Taste for Giving.” Help the hungry by donating non-perishable food at all MCFL locations for the Marin Food Bank. Items such as canned tuna or meat, peanut butter and cereal are most appreciated.

The Summer Reading Program is funded entirely by the generosity of the Friends of the Marin County Free Library.

To register or get more information on any of these great programs, go to your local library or to www.marinlibrary.org.