The busiest time of year for the St. Charles Parish Library system is set to get underway on June 1 with the beginning of the summer reading program.
“Branches get over-the-top-decorated. We increase our programs and activities. We bring in special guest performers,” Lauren Campo Pitz, assistant director of the library system, said. “We have a reading challenge for children, teens, and adults.
“Everyone who signs up gets a sign-up prize and after reading 360 minutes gets a completion prize and becomes eligible for a grand prize.”
Last year, the library had a 2 million-minute community reading goal and surpassed it. This year, they are challenging their reading participants to log 2,750,000 minutes.
Most kick-off events for the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” summer reading program take place on Monday, June 3, but the St. Rose branch will have their kick-off party from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.
The Monday kick-off times are:
• West Regional Library – 10 a.m. – noon.
• Hahnville branch – Noon – 2 p.m.
• East Regional Library – 2-4 p.m.
• Paradis branch – 4-6 p.m.
• Norco branch – 5-7 p.m.
Several special guests will visit parish libraries this summer, highlighted by the TMM project, Doug Berky, Crescent Circus, Schoolhouse Safari and The Dinosaur Experience.
TMM Project is an interactive experience that takes visitors on a tour through arts and music history by using instruments such as the flute, keyboard, acoustic guitar, saxophone and triangle. Doug Berky’s “NO SHOW” includes physical comedy, mime, music, clowning and mask theatre while the Crescent Circus is a husband and wife illusionist duo who combine their expertise in magic and circus arts.
The Dinosaur Experience is an immersive and educational journey featuring a life-sized puppet and Schoolhouse Safari features exotic birds, reptiles, insects and small mammals from around the globe.
The summer reading program also includes numerous events for adults, teens and children like virtual escape rooms, gardening workshops and even a Baby Glow Party.
To sign up for the reading challenge, visit myscpl.beanstack.com, through the Beanstack app or at any library location. For more information on the summer reading program and a schedule of events, visit www.myscpl.org/summer.
