There is a lot going on in Montgomery County Public Libraries this summer and the Potomac branch is offering its share of a special programs for readers of all ages.
The Library’s Summer Read and Learn program, "A Universe of Stories," offers children from birth to 17 years through special programs, books and other activities. Along the way readers can earn points towards entry into raffles for Kid Museum or Maryland Science Center passes.
Sign up for “A Universe of Stories” runs from June 15 to August 31. Just signing up at a local library earns each child a ticket to a Bowie Baysox or Frederick Keys minor league baseball game.
“There are branch raffles with books and system-wide themed raffles such as a Harry Potter themed bag, artist themed bag, gaming themed bag, movie lovers bag, book lovers bag,” and more, Christine Freeman, who is in charge of children’s and teens’ programs for Montgomery County Public Libraries said.
Freeman said the goal of the summer reading program is “to provide learning activities to keep families engaged over the summer as well as to keep children reading to prevent summer slide.”
“A Universe of Stories” was chosen because of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, she said.
The three age related programs offered are:
Early Literacy, ages 0-5; Children, 6-12 and Teens, 13-17. Each age group has a separate game board with stickers for readers to use for marking their way through the galaxy.
Teens are encouraged to “read for one hour increments, attend library programs, and write book reviews to earn points and be entered into raffles throughout the summer. Earn 3 points and be entered into your home branch's raffles. Earn 6 points and be entered into the grand MCPL-wide raffle.”
System wide, 7,497 readers have enrolled in the summer program as of July 4, 137 at the Potomac Branch, according to Andrea Castrogiovanni, from Montgomery County. By far, the largest age group participating is the 6-12-year age group, with 5,095 participants.
Potomac readers can sign up and receive their game boards at the information desk.
Coming at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18 at the Potomac Library is Sciencetellers present Aliens: Escape from the Earth.
“Action packed and educational alien adventure using science experiments for special effects. It’s totally out of the world,” designed for children ages 5- 12.
To learn about this and other special summer programs, visit: montgomerycountymd/libraries/potomac.
Potomac Library is located at 10101 Glenolden Drive. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday. Phone 240-777-0690.