Summer Reading Begins at LDRL

Submitted by: Rachael Grime, Director of LDRL

As school ends and the weather warms, Little Dixie Regional Libraries is gearing up for the excitement that is summer reading.

Little Dixie Regional Libraries (LDRL) has four branches within the towns of Moberly, Huntsville, Madison and Paris and serves the residents of Randolph and Monroe Counties. For the 2023 Summer, LDRL will be working with the Salisbury Public Library and Monroe City Public Libraries to reach more readers and extend services to more patrons.

Summer means something a little different to libraries. Instead of calm summer days in the shade, it means crafting programs for tweens and teens. Instead of splashing in the pool, it means reading books and winning prizes. Instead of lazy days on the couch, it means attending children's cooking programs held by local MU Extension Offices.

Summer is usually the busiest time of the year for your local library. In addition to attending local programming and events, community members will be encouraged to read throughout June and July. Prizes will be distributed to those who keep log their reading with a free app called Beanstack. Sign up at ldrl.org/beanstack or download the Beanstack app for iOS and Android to participate. Beanstack is a free site that lets you log reading for the whole family. The more reading logged equals more chances to win substantial prizes including Kindles, mini-fridges, and more. All participants who read for at least ten days will receive an exclusive medal and rewards from the treasure chest.

The reading program is open to anyone and will continue through the end of July. Participants don't need an LDRL card to win prizes or participate in programming.

May 31st will be the large kickoff event for the summer. At the Moberly Library, the day will be filled with cooperative games for families and friends. For those wanting something a little more challenging, there will be three Dungeons and Dragons games (geared toward 2nd-4th graders) with no experience needed and beginner friendly. At 2pm a tween (5th-8th graders) aged D&D game will be held and at 2pm the teens will have their turn! Signups for summer reading will be occurring all day.

The branches aren't left out of the fun on May 31st. At the Huntsville, Paris, and Madison Libraries there will be a family story time at 10am. All three library branches will hold crafting events at 11am for children. At the Paris Library at 12pm Kids in the Kitchen will be held hosted by the MU Extension of Monroe County. They will teach children about nutrition and help them prepare easy, healthy recipes.

A complete list of library programs for the entire summer can be found at facebook.com/littledixielibraries or on the library's website at www.ldrl.org