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Staunton Library prepares for summer reading program with Friday kick-off event

Rebecca Barnabi
child reading book in tree
(© New Africa – stock.adobe.com)

Mark your calendars and get ready to Color Our World for the annual Summer Reading Game program at the Staunton Public Library.

Readers of all ages are encouraged to register and read for a chance to win special prizes all summer long from June 1 to July 31. Log your reading online and be entered to win a range of prizes donated by local businesses. Reading of all types counts, including families reading aloud together, audiobooks and graphic novels.

“Participating in summer reading is a fun and exciting way for kids – and readers of all ages – to grow their literacy skills and discover all that the local library has to offer,” Staunton Library Youth Services Librarian Lizzy Hill said.

The Summer Reading Kick-off will be held Friday, May 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand. All ages are invited to bring blankets, chairs and a picnic lunch to enjoy a free, family-friendly concert from The Hot Mamas, a local all-female singer-songwriter collective. The library will have kids’ activities and onsite registration for the Summer Reading Game. Nolia’s Lemonade will sell delicious drinks.

Summer Reading events continue through July with programs for kids, teens and adults, including story times, themed crafts, book clubs and live music.

A full calendar of events is online and paper brochures are available to pick up at the library.

Summer reading programs are held at public libraries around the country in an effort to increase kindergarten readiness, prevent the “summer slide” learning loss, keep children socially engaged and involve entire families in literacy activities. Reading and literacy activities help children improve or maintain their reading achievement levels to better prepare for educational success.

The 2025 SPL Summer Reading Game is sponsored by the Friends of the Staunton Library with prizes sponsored by:

  • American Shakespeare Center
  • Art by Noelia Nuñez
  • Art Hive
  • Ballerino Creamery
  • Bonitas Salon
  • The Book Dragon
  • Cat Nap Coffee Roasting
  • Crack the Code Escape Room
  • DrumForFun Staunton
  • Good! Great! OK! Comics
  • The Green Room
  • Green Valley Bookfair
  • Gypsy Express
  • HEARD the store
  • Hull’s Drive-In Theatre
  • Latitudes Fair Trade Store
  • Lee Strawberry
  • Made: By the People, For the People
  • Massanutten Water Park
  • Pufferbellies Toys & Books
  • Refill Renew
  • ShenanArts
  • Smogfrogg
  • Staunton Parks & Recreation
  • The Split Banana Co.
  • Staunton Braves Baseball
  • The Staunton Clayground
  • Staunton Bowling Lanes
  • Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA

For more information about the Staunton Public Library, call 540-332-3902 or visit online.

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