We are all familiar with this complaint on a lazy afternoon. Just a few weeks into summer break when there’s nothing in particular scheduled for the day, your child lets out a sigh and then proclaims, “I’m bored.”
Those are perhaps two of the most disappointing syllables you can hear as a parent, as you hope your child’s summer is filled with non-stop action and adventure. It was, in fact, the most magical time of the year during your own childhood.
The Omaha Public Library is on a mission to make sure those two words are never uttered in your household again. Their Summer Reading Program is set up to bring you and your family constant activities and reading incentives to participate in throughout the summer.
It’s not too late to join in on this free series of activities geared for three different age groups (and you’re included in one of them!). There is a special program for kids through grade 6, one for teens in grades 7–12, and one for adults.
The reading program kicked off on June 1 and will continue through August 1. While there were several kick-off celebrations scheduled during the program’s opening weekend in the beginning of June, the excitement will continue all summer long. The program also provides a wonderful incentive for your child to continue reading throughout the summer, as they can earn wonderful prizes and virtual badges for their reading accomplishments.
Kids, teens, and adults can earn special prize packs by reading and/or listening to books for 10 hours. Log the time online for books you read or listen to in order to be eligible to win prizes. Furthermore, you can visit your local branch, attend a program, or even use the library’s self-check machine in order to earn online badges that can be exchanged for more prizes!
The kids’ and teens’ prize pack includes a coupon sheet, a water bottle, a book, Storm Chaser vouchers, an entry in a drawing for gift certificates to area entertainment venues, and an entry in a NEST scholarship drawing. When adults read or listen to a book for 10 hours, they are entered in a drawing for gift certificates and memberships to area entertainment venues!
In 2015, 24,219 people participated in the SRP and logged an outstanding 202,824 hours! This number is growing each year as the program grows in popularity.
You can register for the program at an upcoming OPL event, on their website, or at any of their locations. Register according to the age group of your child in advance using your library card (or even without a card).
We’ve mentioned various programs scheduled throughout the summer, and you may be wondering what that entails. There are so many fun events on the OPL library schedule — at every library location in the area. This booklet details all of the activities you can enjoy on subjects including Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Food & Cooking, Games, Movies, Parties & Picnics, and more!