Staff Report
Bam! Pow! Kaboom! Summer is here, and so is fun for all ages as the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system leaps tall buildings with summer reading program superpowers and events.
According to Media Contact Michelle Van Dyke, “The packed schedule includes Every Hero Has a Story programs for young children to explore the world of superheroes, everyday heroes, and extraordinary and unusual heroes. Tweens and teens entering grades 6 to 12 will be able to ‘Unmask!’ and discover the hero within. Adults can experience something new and unique with a variety of programs to help them Escape the Ordinary!”
The summer reading program kicked off with The Day of the Doctor earlier this month at the John F. Germany Public Library in Tampa and included a screening of the 50th anniversary episode, photos with a life-size TARDIS, games, crafts, costume contest, scavenger hunt, a Doctor Who fan art exhibition, and more.
For Kids: Read Your Way to the Ballpark – The library has teamed up with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education program to make summer reading fun for kids in grades 3 to 5. Pick up a game card and a Reading with the Rays newspaper insert at any public library and keep track of the hours spent reading. Read around the bases, then bring the game card to any library and receive prizes from the Rays, including a Reading with the Rays poster, bracelet, and sunglasses. Make it to home plate to receive two free tickets to a Rays game, and a Rays certificate signed by Evan Longoria.
For Teens (grades 6 to 12): Unmask Your Library Skills, Win an iPad – Teens can enter online interactive contests for a chance to win an iPad. Register and complete select tasks, such as attending a library program, downloading an eBook, or reading a book. The contest is funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.
For Adults: Be Extraordinary at Your Library and Win an iPad – Adults also can enter online interactive contests for a chance to win an iPad. This contest is funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library. The contest ends Saturday, August 15.
For more information and a complete schedule of other free summer programs at your library, visit www.hcplc.org, look for a Summer Reading guide at libraries and other County facilities, or call 273-3652.
