Summer Reading

Summer Reading is almost here!

Registration week is May 23-28, final day to register is July 1.

Follow our RCPL Summer Reading event on Facebook and watch this space for updates! 

 

Summer Reading is back in person, this year! We’re glad to welcome readers of all ages to our programs and events, inside and outside. Like everything we do, it’s all free and the materials are provided for you by the library. All you have to do is show up, have fun, track what you read, and turn it in!

If you’ve never heard of Summer Reading, it’s a national program meant to inspire everyone to use your local library and have fun reading! This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities: No matter who you are or where you come from, reading creates opportunities, and we want you to have as many of those as possible.

So, dive in and join us! The water’s fine, and the reading is even better. 💙

 

Records and Prizes

Reading should be something you enjoy, but it’s even better when there are prizes! When you register for Summer Reading in person, by phone, or online, you’ll get a log sheet you can use to track what you read. If you meet the reading challenge for your age group, you’ll be entered to win two (2) free books at the end of the program. Plus, if you read a little extra, you’ll have a chance to win an additional grand prize, too!

To complete your reading challenge, just read the number of books listed for your age group:

  • Babies 0-35 months: 10 age-appropriate books (including books read to them)
  • Children 3-5 years: 5 age-appropriate books
  • Children 6-8 years: 3 age-appropriate books
  • Children 9-12 years: 2 age-appropriate books
  • Teens 13-17 years: 2 age-appropriate books
  • Adults 18 years and up: 3 age-appropriate books

Stretch Goals

Readers in all age categories can earn a chance at the grand prize, too: Complete an extra challenge and you could snag a $25 gift card for CoffeeTree Books!

  • Children 12 years and under must read the number of books listed for their age group, above, and also complete their path sheet (included when you register for Summer Reading)
  •  Everyone 13 years and up must read a minimum of 5 books and also complete their path sheet

 

So what are you waiting for? Come by, give us a call, or complete our online registration form to get started with Summer Reading!

Summer Reading Programs & Events

 

For Everyone

Tie-Dye

Thursday, June 9 @ 5pm

Bring your own t-shirt, socks, or pillowcase and join us to create your own tie-dyed item! We’ll enjoy the summer weather and make something you can wear (or sleep on) in the spirit of summertime for years to come. Dye kits provided by the library.

Newport Aquarium Shark Presentation Watch Party

Thursday, July 21 @ 5pm

Join us for a watch party! Newport Aquarium will do a live presentation on sharks with a Q&A. Refreshments will be served in person, but you can also watch online from home!

Summer Reading Book Pickup & Closeout

Thursday, July 28 from 11am-3pm

Winning registrants will be contacted so you can come and get your free books and other prizes!

 

For Kids

🐧 0-35 months:

  • Every Tuesday @ 10:15am
    • June 7: “The Ocean”
    • 6/14: “Fish”
    • 6/21: “Boats”
    • 6/28: “Turtles”
    • July 5: “Whales”
    • 7/12: “Pirates”
    • 7/19: “Sharks”
    • 7/26: “Starfish & jellyfish”

🐳 3-5 years:

  • Every Thursday @ 11am

🐸 6-8 years:

  • Every Thursday @ 1pm

🦀 9-12 years:

  • Every Thursday @ 3pm

 

For Teens

🐬 Special Effects Makeup Workshop with Lexington Children’s Theatre

Thursday, June 2 @ 5pm

Learn how to create bruises, cuts, and more using special effects makeup! Presented by Ashlee Collins.

🐡 DIY Tiny Ocean in a Jar

Thursday, June 16 @ 5pm

Make your own tiny ocean in a jar to keep! All materials provided by the library.

🦪 Tiny Art Night

Thursday, June 23 @ 5pm

Paint a miniature canvas with an ocean theme, and we’ll feature it in our Summer Reading Tiny Art Show for everyone to appreciate! All materials provided by the library.

🦈 Board Game Beach Party

Tuesday, June 28 @ 4pm

Join Morgan for a game of Dive by Romain Caterdjian and Anthony Perone! Swim to the bottom and recover a sacred stone in a game of risk and perception. Wear your best Hawai’ian shirt for a chance to win a $20 gift card from Kaiju Games on Main Street, Morehead!

🦐 Plastic Bag Bracelets

Thursday, June 30 @ 5pm

Help keep waste out of our oceans by upcycling plastic bags and wooden beads into a unique bracelet! All materials provided by the library.

🦞 Under the Sea Clay Sculpture

Thursday, July 7 @ 5pm 

Create your own undersea sculpture with clay, paint, and more! All materials provided by the library.

🐠 DIY Sand Art Bottle & Chalk Art Contest

Wednesday, July 13 @ 5pm

Make your own bottled sand art, then venture outside to create an ocean drawing on the sidewalk. The winning artist gets a $20 Wal-Mart gift card! All materials provided by the library.

🐙 Board Game Beach Party

Tuesday, July 26 @ 4pm

Return to the table with Morgan for a game of Deep Blue by Asger Granerud and Daniel Pedersen! Scout the sea, hire your crew, race to wreck sites, and claim sunken treasures. Wear your best summertime flip-flops to be entered for a $20 gift card from Kaiju Games on Main Street, Morehead!

For Adults

🦑 Heirloom Show & Tell

Tuesday, June 7 @ 5pm

Join local historian and genealogy librarian Cindy for an adventure back in time! Bring your favorite heirloom to show off, and share your stories about it. Register to win a door prize!

🐊 Virtual Photo Contest

Monday, June 13 – Saturday, June 18

Look for a special Facebook post on Monday, June 13 where you can add your photo into our contest. Post your best nature photo that includes water! Contest ends June 18th.

🦭 Creative Coloring

Monday, June 20 @ 11am

Join Cindy for some relaxation with a beautiful ocean-themed coloring sheet. All materials provided by the library.

🐟 Tiny Art Night

Thursday, June 23 @ 5pm

Paint a miniature canvas with an ocean theme, and we’ll feature it in our Summer Reading Tiny Art Show for everyone to appreciate! All materials provided by the library.

🦆 Board Game Beach Party

Tuesday, June 28 @ 4pm

Join Morgan for a game of Dive by Romain Caterdjian and Anthony Perone! Swim to the bottom and recover a sacred stone in a game of risk and perception. Wear your best Hawai’ian shirt for a chance to win a $20 gift card from Kaiju Games on Main Street, Morehead!

🐋 Plastic Bag Bracelets

Thursday, June 30 @ 5pm

Help keep waste out of our oceans by upcycling plastic bags and wooden beads into a unique bracelet! All materials provided by the library.

🐢 History of Cave Run Lake

Tuesday, July 5 @ 5pm

Cindy is back with a special presentation about the origins of our very own Cave Run Lake! Don’t miss this trip back in time—what you learn may just surprise you. 🤔

🦦 Creative Coloring

Tuesday, July 18 @ 11am

You’re invited back for another calm lunchtime program with Cindy, and another chance to create some beautiful water-themed art. All materials provided by the library.

🦢 Board Game Beach Party

Tuesday, July 26 @ 4pm

Return to the table with Morgan for a game of Deep Blue by Asger Granerud and Daniel Pedersen! Scout the sea, hire your crew, race to wreck sites, and claim sunken treasures. Wear your best summertime flip-flops to be entered for a $20 gift card from Kaiju Games on Main Street, Morehead!