Press Release
Summer is almost here, and Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the Charleston County School District (CCSD) are working together to help students and children read more than ever. This joint initiative is part of the library's annual Summer Reading program, which provides incentives for reading during the summer months while providing enriching programs at branches around the county.
Registration for Summer Reading is NOW OPEN, and the programs for children, teens and adults run between June 4 and Aug. 13. Summer Reading features a fantastic lineup of free in-person events and programs, as well as fun prizes provided by our generous community sponsors. It's as simple as this: Read. Log. Win.
“Summer Reading is a great opportunity for patrons of all ages to expand their literary knowledge and win some great prizes,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “CCPL has always been a partner in educational success, and Summer Reading helps fight the summer slide and promote literacy throughout Charleston County.”
CCSD and CCPL are celebrating the fifth year of their Summer Reading partnership, and as part of the collaboration, every CCSD student has been automatically registered for the program that corresponds to their age. Students simply use their CCSD username as their Summer Reading username and password, and can begin logging their reading on June 4!
Non-CCSD students or adults who would like to sign up for Summer Reading may register online beginning May 23 and start logging their reading on June 4. This year's theme for Summer Reading is Oceans of Possibilities, and there are exciting prizes and programs for all ages, including adults! Prizes will be available for pickup at library branches.
Children : Kids ages 11 and younger can earn prizes for five, 15 or 30 hours of reading or listening to stories. Prizes include the S.C. Reading Medal, a Summer Reading T-Shirt, coupons for local restaurants, vouchers for local attractions, and more. Babies and Toddlers can win prizes as well! Young children ages 0-3 who complete 23 of the 25 early literacy activities receive a board book, water squirt toy, and Summer Reading onesie.
Teens: Students entering grades 6-12 can win cool prizes for reading whatever they like. Teens are rewarded when they read five, 15, and, 30 hours. Prizes include a mini Bluetooth speaker, a sports bag, vouchers for local restaurants and attractions, a Summer Reading t-shirt, and more. At the end of the program, one winner at each branch will be chosen to receive a $50 Visa gift card.
Adults : Participants ages 18 and older earn prizes for reading five, 15, and, 30 hours. Prizes include a pocket journal, and a Summer Reading t-shirt, a confetti beach ball, entry into a drawing for a Grand Prize, and more!
In addition to fun prizes, Summer Reading participants of all ages can enjoy free admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum on Library Day at Patriots Point, Sept. 24. CCPL has also partnered with Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), which will waive bus fees to the attraction that day to those who present their Summer Reading prize voucher. Participants also have a chance to earn a free game ticket to Library Night at the Charleston RiverDogs in August!
During this year's Summer Reading program, CCPL is excited to welcome backFREE in-person programs for all ages at CCPL branches. Highlights include:
- Deep Dive with South Carolina Aquarium
- Porkchop Productions: The Fisherman and His Needy, Greedy, Wife
- Performances by Noodle McDoodle
- Nathalia: Bilingual Music for Families
- Drumming with Taiko Charleston
- Improv Night with Theatre 99
Event dates, times and locations vary and are subject to change. For a full list of events and event details, visit ccpl.org/calendar .
CCPL is also working to reach students in underserved areas by hosting pop-up library events at several CCSD schools throughout the summer. Students will have the opportunity to log their reading, receive free books to build their home library and experience enriching library programming.
Summer Reading is made possible by community partners and sponsors, including this year's Featured Sponsor, the Charleston Friends of the Library. The Friends are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports the library through funding for an array of programs, as well as donations to the CCPL Community Collection. For more information, visit charlestonlibraryfriends.org.
To register for Summer Reading, or for more information on the program, prizes and prize pickup, reading lists and more, visit ccpl.org/summeronline or contact your local library branch.
