See reading as play

Summertime is all about freedom — no school, no rules, no structure. You can make up each day, and every day is different. Whether you are on your own or with your friends, outside or inside or upside down, summer is the time for fun and play.

Where does reading fit into the spirit of summer?

TD Summer Reading Club

For the summer of 2015, Halifax Public Libraries is encouraging kids to see reading as play and discover that the joyful, boundless, and carefree feelings associated with play can just as easily be found in a great book. We want kids to have fun reading and share this joy, while they have the freedom to choose, explore, discover, and play any way they want.

New broader approach

In keeping with this year’s theme of play, and in recognition that developing literacy takes many forms, the library is expanding what counts towards a reading goal. This year, eligible activities include writing, drawing, and attending library programs.

How the club works

First you register each child at a library branch of your choosing. Halifax Public Libraries has 14 branches and that means you are bound to find a location that suits you.

When you register you will receive a free reading kit, including a magazine filled with suggested activities for summer fun. You set a goal of how many books to read and activities to accomplish and you record each one in a booklet that serves to keep track of your progress.

Once you have registered, you should start borrowing books from the library, pick up a book you have at home, or plan to take on one of the other club activities.

Fun activities, too

Throughout July and August, library staff plan programs that are suited for summertime fun. Many involve reading as a part of the event and others focus on other parts of play. As a Summer Reading Club member you don’t have to go to the programs, but we hope you can make it sometime.

Registration and prizes

As you read and play during the summer, visit the library to collect cool rewards, plus, earn the chance to win exciting prizes, like an iPad mini! Registration at branches begins June 23 and continues into August.

EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY

All programs are free.

Poet Readings: Zachariah Wells & M. Travis, Central, Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Ancestory.com: Getting Started, Tantallon, Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

The Battle of the Atlantic & HMCS Sackville, Keshen Goodman, Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

A History of the Gaels, Woodlawn, Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Starting a Business, Central, Tue., May 19, 6-8 p.m.

Pinterest, Alderney Gate, Tue., May 19, 10 a.m.

Author Reading: Joan Dawson, Keshen Goodman, Wed., May 20, 7 p.m.

Milling Frolic, Alderney Gate, Wed., May 20, 7 p.m.

Bing & Ruth, Central, Wed., May 20, 7 p.m.

Robbie Burns Celebration, Woodlawn, Wed., May 20, 1:30 p.m.

Planning Ahead—Never Too, Young, Never Too Old!, Halifax North, Wed., May 20, 10:30 a.m.

Understanding & Preventing Identity Theft, Central, Wed., May 20, 1 p.m.

Early Chinese History in the Maritimes, Central, Thur., May 21, 12 p.m.

Artist Talk: Peter Brötzmann, Central, Thur., May 21, 6:30 p.m.

Lean How to, Make Your Life More Active, Tantallon, Thur., May 21, 7 p.m.

Quick Guide to DIY Music in Canada, Halifax North, Sat., May 22, 3:30p.m.

Step Dancing, Dannsa-ceum, Sackville, Sat., May 23, 2 p.m.

Learn to Camp, Central, Sat., May 23, 2 p.m.

Tai Chi for Beginners, Bedford, Sat. May, 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Build Your Own Electronics: Arduino Workshops, Central, Sat., May 23, 2:30 p.m.