Summer reading program to kick-off June 13 at WIDL

IRON RIVER — Children and teens up to 18 years old are invited to participate in the annual six-week summer Reading program at The West Iron District Library (WIDL) beginning Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m.  WIDL joins more than 16,000 libraries across the country incentivizing young readers with prizes for books read, weekly themed crafts, outdoor activities and more.
“Whether you read to your child on your lap, or they read independently, local kids and visiting families are encouraged to participate,” said Stephanie Swenski, WIDL Director and Early Literacy Coordinator. “Readers who sign up for summer reading will enjoy weekly activities around this summer’s theme: ‘All Together Now!’” WIDL offers this program annually to foster a love of reading in children and help struggling readers catch up before the next school year begins.
But summer reading isn’t just about books. Participants receive reading logs and each week those logs are exchanged for “book bucks” that can be used at the end of the six weeks to “buy” a wide variety of toys and games. Every reader will also be entered into grand prize drawings. Families will also enjoy outdoor fun and games each week with a special event from the Michigan Science Center on July 11 called “EUREKA” that will engage families in activities related to great inventions of our modern times.
Swenski indicated that, in addition to the summer reading program, there is something happening nearly every day at the library. “We hope our community will come and enjoy all the free resources and programs the library has to offer,” she said. “There are tons of opportunities to make great memories and have fun learning along the way.”
A full calendar of events can be found on westironlib.org, the WIDL Facebook page, or picked up from the circulation desk. The WIDL is located at 116 W. Genesee Street. For more information, call 906-265-2831 or email sswenski@westironlib.org.