By Nicole Burns
Every year the Gwinnett County Library System puts on a summer reading campaign to encourage children and adults alike to pick up a book to read. The theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Program is Libraries Rock!
Children that read during the summer are more prepared for when school starts back in August. They haven’t lost any skills like children who do not read during the summer months. Reading builds literacy skills and increases vocabulary. Encourage your child to find books that they enjoy. Many children say that reading is boring but maybe they just have not found books that engage their minds yet.
Readers can collect prizes from sponsors including Aurora Children’s Playhouse, Kona Ice, Gwinnett Stripers, Laser Quest, Medieval Times, Stars and Strikes, and Zaxby’s. Prizes vary by age and are available while supplies last.
Summer Reading is not all about children. Adults are encouraged to pick up a book and read as well. Reading is an excellent way to take your mind off of everyday problems and escape to other places. It’s a great stress reliever. Don’t think you like to read? As with children, keep trying different authors and genres until you find books that engage your mind.
Adults can sign up for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Sign up and log time spent reading, and enter to win one of 15 BBQ-themed gift baskets valued at over $75, or one of 15 pairs of tickets to a performance at the Aurora Theatre.
To sign up for the Summer Reading Programs or get more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.beanstack.org/reader365 or visit your local library branch.
All summer long your local branch of the Gwinnett County Library System hosts events such a story time, workshops, and more. Below are just a few of the events the library has to offer.
Buford-Sugar Hill Branch (2100 Buford Hwy, Buford GA 30518)
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June 2nd @ 10:30 a.m. – Doggie Tales – Ages 5-10 – Kids get to practice their reading skills while reading to a friendly dog from Therapy Dogs International.
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June 2nd @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Come Plant With Us! – Learn about a tower garden, plant seeds, and receive a special treat.
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June 3rd @ 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Common Threads: Knitting, Crocheting, and Needlework – Monthly textile arts meeting where this month is focused on correcting mistakes.
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June 7th @ 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Math Club – Ages 6+ – Enjoy math games, technology, legos, and more.
Hamilton Mill Branch (3690 Braselton Hwy, Dacula GA 30019)
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June 1st @ 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Story Time – Ages 3-5 – Children and an accompanying adult listen to stories, play games, and sing songs.
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June 2nd @ 10:00 a.m. – Lego Club – Held on the first Saturday of every month.
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June 2nd @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – 3D Printing 102: Alternative Materials
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June 2nd @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Batik Textile Workshop – Ages 13+ – Make a constellation-inspired textile piece while learning about the batik dye process.
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June 7th @ 5:30 p.m. – Math Club – Ages 6+ – Enjoy math games, technology, legos, and more.
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June 9th @ 2:00 p.m. – Culture Craft – Storytime featuring cultural traditions from around the world plus a themed craft.
Suwanee Branch (361 Main St, Suwanee GA 30024)
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June 6th @ 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Toddler Time – Ages 2 and under – A fun filled storytime with music, rhymes, and movement activities designed to engage your toddler.
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June 9th @ 2:00 p.m. – Garden Tower Talk – Join expert Maury Stephan to learn about hydroponic gardening and its benefits.
These were just a sampling of what fun events are being held this summer at Gwinnett County Public Library Branches. For more information and a full list of available events, please visit www.gwinnettpl.org/calendar.