Local libraries offer summer reading programs

Readers of all ages are invited to participate in summer reading programs being offered by Baldwin Public Library and Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Baldwin Public Library's annual summer reading program runs from June 10 through August 5. The special Summer Reading 2022 Kickoff event will be held on Friday, June 10, from 1-4 p.m. outside at the library. Activities and crafts are planned around the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities,” and participants of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy the fun. The Friends of the Baldwin Public Library are the 2022 sponsors of the Summer Reading program.

“Summer Reading is fantastic because there is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm from kids, parents, and library staff. Summer Reading brings in many new families to the Library and is a great opportunity for us to show our community all the resources we have to offer” shared Stephanie Klimmek, head of Youth Services. “And thanks to the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library, we get to give away free books to kids, which we love to do. I love to see the joy shared among family members as they sit and read together in the Youth Room or the thrill a child experiences when they find a new story that captivates them.”

Teen Librarian Elisabeth Phou echoed Klimmek’s enthusiasm for the annual program, noting the library is "offering a fun and easy summer reading challenge for teens, along with great in-person programs, and ways to earn cool prizes.”

Visit baldwinlib.org/summer-reading for more information about the program, and details about each challenge for kids, teens and adults.

Bloomfield Township Public Library invites readers of all ages to explore their program, also called Oceans of Possibilities, this summer, with a variety of programs, activities, concerts, and more, all starting with the Summer Reading Kickoff on Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Their kickoff event will include activity “islands” throughout the Youth Room and Terrace, where kids can pick up take-home craft kits, play games, take a Star Readers photo, and receive a free book. Adults can test their knowledge with Walking Track Trivia, and teens can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the library for fun prizes. All are welcome to sign up for the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program and discover some great titles to help reach their reading goals.

The Bloomfield Township Public Library uses Beanstack to offer the Summer Reading Program. Beanstack is a free online service that allows readers of all ages to log their reading, participate in activities, read and write reviews, earn badges, and enter prize drawings.

Besides logging the books they read, participants can also earn badges by completing activities. Access the website at btpl.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Readers have from June 21 to July 31 to log their activity and enter any prize drawings that interest them. See the full listing of Oceans of Possibilities programs and events by visiting btpl.org/summer .