Welcome Summer!

When I was a school librarian, summer was the time for me to read all of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award books to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Sometimes I enlisted my own kids to help me out as well. I have learned some valuable lessons as both a teacher and mother when it comes to reading and children that may help ease some of those summer reading woes.

Pamela's Summer Reading Tips for Parents

- Try family reading. Children who are learning to read need to have reading role models. Have a family reading time when either the family reads or listens to a book together, or have a family quiet time for independent reading.
- Don't force it. Allow children to read what they like to develop consistency. During the school year, children are mostly told what to read. Let summer be the time to select material that may not be on the summer reading list. Graphic novels, magazines, and even travel or table books still offer the skills needed to develop vocabulary and comprehension (as well as good conversation).
- Create a summer reading book club. Get a group of your child's friends together and host a weekly book club meeting. Not only will this help them conquer that book with a group of friends but it can lead to a more in-depth study because of the discussions they will have.
For children, summer reading should be a time to re-energize before the new school year. Whether it is ten minutes or two hours, help your child discover the joy of reading.

For children, summer reading should be a time to re-energize before the new school year. Whether it is ten minutes or two hours, help your child discover the joy of reading.

Amazing things are happening,

The library is offering fun summer programming for all ages throughout June and July. This summer's theme is Oceans of Possibilities.

Bring the kids to an engaging and educational children's event, pick up an adventure bag, and go on a scavenger hunt!

Teens can enjoy fun crafts and games as well as a series of workshops on adulting and building social I.Q.

Events for adults include special book clubs and a presentation on Artificial Reefs in the Florida Big Bend from the Organization for Artificial Reefs.

Find all this and more at LeonCountyLibrary.org/SummerPrograms.

Join our Summer Reading Challenge with Beanstack, the Library's fun new reading tracker. Create an account and log your reading time. Between June 6 and July 31, children and teens up to 18 years old can participate in the summer reading challenge or attend a Library program for a chance to win prizes! But Beanstack isn't just for kids. Adults can create an account, too. Track your books and add friends to see what they are reading.

Artificial Reefs: Building a Future for Marine Recreation in the Florida Big Bend
Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m.
Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library

Join us as volunteers from the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR) discuss the local marine environment and how artificial reefs enhance the ecosystem. The presentation will include an exciting video of reef deployments and marine life.

June is Pride Month where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community in history, culture, and society.

Celebrate with us by attending special story times, book clubs, and other events. Find thought-provoking films on Kanopy and a variety of fiction and non-fiction e-books and audiobooks in Overdrive's Pride collection.

Find the list of events and resources at LeonCountyFL.gov/PrideMonth.

Day of Silence Exhibit

The Day of Silence exhibit from the Stonewall National Museum and Archives is on display now in the downtown Main Library Teen area.

The exhibit discusses school bullying of LGBTQ+ youth and how silence can provide a powerful message of support for young people experiencing bullying and harassment. Learn more at LeonCountyFL.gov/PrideMonth

All summer long, Leon County Government and Second Harvest of the Big Bend are proud to offer free healthy, packaged meals and snacks to kids and teens 18 and under at two Leon County Public Library locations. No registration is required, and meals must be eaten inside the building.

Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams Street

- Lunch: Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 - 1 p.m.
- June 7 through July 29

Jane G. Sauls Ft. Braden Branch Library, 16327 Blountstown Hwy

- Snack: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 - 3 p.m.
- Supper: Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 - 6 p.m.
- June 7 through August 5

The Real Florida Reader State Park Pass
Summer has arrived, and we are excited to announce that state park day passes are now available for checkout at all library locations! In partnership with Florida State Parks and the Florida Division of Library and Information Services, The Real Florida Reader program encourages residents to explore all our libraries and state parks have to offer this summer.

Things to know:

- State park passes check out for seven days.
- Passes cannot be placed on hold.
- Valid for one vehicle with up to eight people.
- Does not cover activity fees or entry into special events (such as boat tours, camping, etc.).
- Excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs, Skyway Fishing Pier and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks.
- Passes are available through September 12, 2022.

Don't have a library card? Sign up on our website.

Did you know all library locations have book clubs for adults?

Many of the book clubs select books based on the theme of the month. On July 14 at the Northeast Branch Library, the Mystery Book Club will focus on the theme Oceans of Possibilities. Find a librarian-curated list of mystery novels on crime and the sea, as well as meeting dates and times on the library calendar.

Then on July 28, the Bucket List Book Club at the Eastside Branch Library will discuss ocean-themed titles from their list of Recommended Reads. Select one (or more!) titles from the Bucket List reading suggestions list. Find meeting dates and times on the library calendar.

Want to know more? Check out our calendar, and join the book club that grabs your interest!