School is out and camp is in at the Library! The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) invites kids and teens to sign up for the 2022 Summer Reading Program: Camp Read S’more. The Summer Reading Program, taking place from June 6 until July 30, offers free workshops, programs, prizes, and great books for all ages.
How to sign up for the Indianapolis Public Library 2022 Summer Reading Program
It’s easy to sign up for Camp Read S’more – simply download the Beanstack app, visit indypl.beanstack.org on the web, or stop by your nearest branch to register with a staff member. Participants track the time spent reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or having someone read to them. Prizes, which include passes to the Children’s Museum’s Haunted House, tickets to Indianapolis Indians games, free pizza from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, and Eiteljorg Museum admission, Snapology fall class passes, A College Choice 529 Savings Plan, and books are earned at one hour, five hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours of reading.
Shael Weidenbach, IndyPL’S youth services manager, says that if participants read for just 20 minutes a day they can easily reach 20 hours by the end of the program. Weidenbach hopes the program makes reading enjoyable, no matter what reading level participants are at.
“Reading is like riding a bike,” said Weidenbach. “You need to keep practicing to get better, but once you master reading, it becomes enjoyable and provides the freedom to explore new things. Without the structure of school, children, especially those that struggle with reading, let go of that daily reading experience. Our mission for the summer reading program is to motivate children to read for fun and develop literacy skills during the summer because kids and teens who read for pleasure become lifelong learners.”
Fun Workshops and Kick-Off parties
There are various workshops that kids and teens can participate in including Spooky Campfire Stories, Garden Buddies with Mr. Tony, and a Campfire Obstacle Course with JumpBunch. In addition, many branches are hosting Summer Reading Kick-Off parties with face-painting, games, giveaways including Indy Eleven tickets, snacks, and prizes.
The Indianapolis Public Library is partnering with the Colts to provide books to Books for Youth, a program to give books to children in the foster care system. The community is invited to donate a new or used book to Books for Youth at any Branch location.
The Summer Reading Program is presented by Friends of the Library
The Summer Reading Program is presented by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Major Sponsors include Indianapolis Indians, Lilly Endowment Inc., Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer, and G. Marlyne Sexton. Supporting Sponsors include 92.3 WTTS, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Citizens Energy Group, CollegeChoice CD 529 Savings Plan, Corteva Agriscience, Anonymous, Indianapolis Colts, Dr. Sherri Lauver and Dr. Kevin Biglan, Office of the Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley, OneAmerica®, Pacers Foundation, and The Ft. Ben Branch Design & Construction Companies (RATIO – The Skillman Corporation – Davis & Associates, Inc.).
Upcoming Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Celebration:
Garfield Park
Saturday, June 4 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Face painting, arts and crafts, games, and giveaways.
Glendale
Saturday, June 4 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Enjoy a balloon artist, games, camp food, and more!
Lawrence
Saturday, June 4 from 10:45 am – 3:00 pm
Face painting and balloon twisting, Silly Safaris, games, snacks, and giveaways.
Pike
Saturday, June 4 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for face painting, meet native birds, create a nature journal, take home giveaways, play large games and enjoy treats.
Wayne
Saturday, June 4 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enjoy a Silly Safaris Meet & Greet at 1:00 pm, arts and crafts, games, and giveaways.
West Perry
Saturday, June 4 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Enjoy crafts, games, a camp sing-along, face painting with Cinamon the Clown, and more!
Central Library
Monday, June 6 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Enjoy activities, giveaways, stories and songs, and a tasty little treat!
Martindale-Brightwood
Wednesday, June 8 from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Register
Enjoy games, giveaways, and snacks.
College Avenue
Saturday, June 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Enjoy Spooky Campfire Stories, face painting, snacks, games, and prizes.
Spades Park
Saturday, June 11 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Enjoy music performers, face painting, games and more.
