The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library’s popular summer reading program will not meet in person this summer because of the coronavirus outbreak. But the library’s staff has created a virtual program that will allow participants to track their progress online or with an app.
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“We wanted to find a way to offer Summer Reading during this season of social distancing,” youth services librarian Jennifer Annis-Domenech said in a news release.
Participants will use a tracking tool called Beanstack.
The summer reading program runs from May 26 through July 11. Planters Bank is the sponsor.
Although the camp is traditionally viewed as a program for children, it’s actually for people of all ages. For the students participating, the program is designed to help stem a slide in learning during the summer vacation from the classroom.
“Each age group has different goals and rewards that can be earned based on the amount of time spent reading. New this year, is a pre-reader summer challenge, which encourages caregivers to engage in early literacy activities with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers,” Annis-Domenech said. “These activities can encourage children to become lifelong readers and learners.”
The library gives raffle tickets for earned progress, and those can be used to earn bonus prizes.
“We’re excited about our prizes this year,” Annis-Domenech said. “We have fine forgiveness coupons, gift cards from local retailers, color-changing cups, and much more.”
Grab-and-go activities will be available from 8 a.m. to noon through July 9, plus participants will find virtual activities on social media.
The library wants participants to use the website and app if possible. Those who don’t have online access can receive hard-copy challenge forms by requesting the materials and picking them up curbside.
The library is currently closed to the public.
“The library continues to manage through limited services and activities,” Executive Director DeeAnna Sova said. “We are excited to continue to partner with Planters Bank to provide the community with a virtual reading program.”
Registration is available online. Get additional information by emailing Annis-Domenech.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
