CINCINNATI — Kids and teens across Hamilton County are invited into their local Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library branch to pick up a free book to keep and an activity booklet for kids now through July 31 as part of our Discover Summer program.
This year's program includes:
- A Discover Summer activity booklet with activities and kid-set summer goals (for 12 and younger)
- A challenge for teens
- A free book to keep
- A participation guide
Using their activity booklet, participants are invited to set three Discovery goals – read, discover and create – and complete check-ins with the Library – a spin of the “Wonder Wheel.” Participants will also be entered to win a grand prize when they complete their three Discovery goals.
Eight grand prize winners will be chosen at each location during the first week of August. The last day to enter is July 31.
“Summer in Cincinnati means having fun while you learn at your community’s Library,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director. “Discover Summer is the perfect way to help retain what young people have learned throughout the school year so they’re ready to learn again in the fall without skipping a beat. The Library is a great place to bring the community together to beat the summer heat, and to keep everyone’s – especially our children’s – curiosity strong year-round.”
After completing their three goals, each participant is eligible for a completion prize.
According to the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment, research indicates three to four consecutive summers of high-quality learning beginning in pre-kindergarten can help get kids reading on grade level by third grade. This makes them four times more likely to graduate from high school. Additionally, summer learning loss in elementary school years results in at least 50 percent of 9th-grade reading achievement gaps.
Select libraries across Hamilton County will also serve free summer meals Monday-Friday, at various times. Visit CHPL.org/meals for dates, locations and serving times.
Thanks to these generous sponsors who support Discover Summer: The Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Friends of the Public Library, Scripps Howard Fund, Ed and Joann Hubert Foundation, and the Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation. In-kind support comes from the Cincinnati Reds, FC Cincinnati, Frisch’s and Kings Island.
For more information call 513-369-6900 or visit CHPL.org/summer, which includes a full donor list.
