A summer of adventure awaits Hernando young people at their local library, where a plethora of good books and fun activities will prove their dynamic passports to a world of fun. Hernando County libraries are hosting The Adventure Begins at Your Library, the 2024 Hernando County Public Library System Children’s Summer Reading Program.
“Join us at the library this summer for our summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library!” invites Valerie Martin, Branch Supervisor, East Hernando Branch Library. “We will offer fun family storytimes, teen and tween programs, and special performers!”
This year’s library summer reading program, Martin reveals, comes complete with an exciting high-tech twist. “This summer, you can log your child’s reading through our new Beanstack app to earn virtual badges online and rubber duck prizes at your local branch,” she said.
As young readers commence their summer of fun, they’ll be exploring exciting new worlds that revolve around the fantastic themes of the jungle, outer space, pirates, dinosaurs, the ocean, the Wild West, medieval and more.
Featured performers will include Cesar the Magician, whose shows combine energy, positivity, and laughter for kids, and The Moogivian variety show, which combines magic, juggling, music, and comedy “with a little bit of a dairy twist.”
And once again this summer, young readers can enjoy further adventures at the ballpark via the Reading With the Rays program.
“We will again be teaming up with the Tampa Bay Rays for Reading with the Rays!” said Martin. “Read throughout the summer to earn prizes and two free tickets to a Rays game! All library programs are free and open to the public. Visit our digital calendar at https://hernandocounty.librarycalendar.com to check out our events and sign up for programs.”
The library’s Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading program launches on June 1st, 2024. The adventure truly begins June 5-7, when the Summer Reading Kickoff commences from 11 a.m. to noon on June 5 at the West Hernando Branch, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville, where participants will learn about summer reading programs, pick up a Reading with the Rays gamecard, and participate in crafts, activities, and a family storytime. In addition, face painting and balloon sculptures from Tony the Balloon Guy will be available to participants at the East Hernando Branch, 1-2 p.m. June 5, where participants will read a story, do a craft, and have popcorn and ice cream; noon-1 p.m. June 6 at the Main Branch, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville; where participants will be learning about summer reading programs, be able to pick up a Reading with the Rays game card and participate in crafts, activities, and a family storytime. Plus, kids who attend will receive ice cream to help celebrate the beginning of summer. and June 7 at the Spring Hill Branch, 9220 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, 1:30-3:30 p.m., where participants will receive summer reading materials, do a craft, and—from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—enjoy a performance of the Atlantic Coast Theatre. Registration is required at all events.
Hernando County Public Library System can be reached at 352.754.4043. Information about library programs is available at https://hernandocountylibrary.us.
Connect with the Hernando County Public Library System on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram @hernandolibrary.
Cyndi Loftis-Culp, library services director of the Hernando County Public Library System, invites area young people to join the adventure at their local library. “We look forward to seeing all the smiling faces again over the summer,” said Loftis-Culp. “Our Youth Services Librarians, Justin King and Caitlyn Wendling have done a fantastic job putting all this together. See you this summer!”
