Kids and Adults Can Sign Up for Summer Reading at Muncie Public Library

Katie Lehman, Ready Readers Supervisor at MPL, conducts an outside story time at the recent Garden Fair at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Photo by Sidney Barkdull, Ready Readers Specialist at MPL.Katie Lehman, Ready Readers Supervisor at MPL, conducts an outside story time at the recent Garden Fair at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Photo by Sidney Barkdull, Ready Readers Specialist at MPL.

By Susan Fisher, Public Relations Supervisor at Muncie Public Library—

MUNCIE, Ind.—Babies, kids, teens, and even adults can sign up now for the Summer Reading Program (SRP) at Muncie Public Library (MPL). The 2022 program runs from June 6 through July 30. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.”

“The traditional SRP will always be a part of what we do at Muncie Public Library,” said Akilah S. Nosakhere, MPL Library Director. “We know how important it is to keep students reading throughout the summer months to avoid losing educational gains made during the school year.” Nosakhere also noted that MPL is working closely with the Whitely Community Council Education Alliance, Classroom Connections ECI, and other community partners to promote a wide array of learning opportunities for area youth.

One such project is Poems for Pizza, which challenges children to discover poetry and to submit (with an adult’s help) a poetry reading of the classic poem, “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Two winners will receive a pizza gift certificate and the prizes will be awarded at a pizza party at MPL’s Connection Corner. The contest is a partnership of MPL with Yes We Care, Reading Everywhere! and with Polcz Volbrecht Homes, who is serving as the prize sponsor. MPL is also partnering with the Indiana Children & Nature Network to encourage outside activities for area youth through Nature Play Days (NPD). MPL employee Katie Lehman is serving as the Delaware County NPD coordinator and has incorporated outdoor story times and scavenger hunts into the MPL summer calendar.

SRP prizes include pencils, posters, small toys, food coupons, and books. Children will log their reading time and other activities using paper logs that can be picked up from any MPL branch or they can track their progress online (with a parent’s or guardian’s help) at munciereadsquared.com. Children’s SRP sponsors include Applebee’s, Arby’s, the Book Center, Bouncyland, Charmed Cupcakes, Chili’s, Culver’s, Dairy Queen, Fazoli’s, the Friends of MPL, Greek’s Pizzeria, HotBox Pizza, IHOP, McDonald’s, Muncie Children’s Museum, Texas Roadhouse, and Wendy’s.

Adults can also enjoy a summer reading program and earn entry forms for a raffle to be held at the end of July. Prizes include literary-themed totes, coffee mugs, and prizes sponsored by the Book Center, Boulder Falls Mini Golf and Bat Zone, Cardinal Greenway, the Friends of MPL, Greek’s Pizzeria, HeideJHale Designs, Rosebud Coffee House, John Tom’s Barbecue, and the Shoppe by Pink Leaf. Adults can sign up at munciereadsquared.com or by visiting any MPL branch. Virtual programs and in-person activities will be held for adults, including book discussions and craft how-to sessions.

A library card is never required for participation in any MPL program or event. For more information regarding events and activities, visit the library website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org.