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Catawba County Library gearing up for Summer Learning adventure

- BY KATE WIMBERLY

The Catawba County Library is gearing up for its annual Summer Learning adventure with activities and challenges for kids, teens, and adults. Boasting a double focus on reading and handson learning opportunit­ies, the library ramps up its programs and activities to keep learning fresh throughout the summer.

“The library takes an active role in ensuring that children and teens stay engaged during the summer months so that they can pick up where they left off when

the new school year begins”, explained Community Engagement Librarian Lindsay Robins. “We take it seriously when local educators pass the baton to us for the summer. We love being a part of the village that helps children thrive.”

According to a recent press release shared by CCLS, studies show that kids can lose a substantia­l amount of the gains they achieve during the school year if they don’t regularly engage their minds in learning and critical thinking. This is especially important this year as many students are still recovering from the disruption­s to their education over the past two years.

“Summer Learning is all about equitable access to resources, experience­s, and learning opportunit­ies”, shared Library Director Siobhan Loendorf. “Our library staff have done an amazing job of creating a Summer Learning program that really steps it up with performers and experience­s to keep all ages entertaine­d and engaged in learning and with each other all summer long.”

This year’s summer learning theme is Oceans of Possibilit­ies.

Participat­e at any of the seven Catawba County Library locations for an exciting mix of programs including storytimes, STEAM programs, performanc­es and educationa­l programs by the North Carolina Aquarium, Hickory Music Factory, Green Bean Players, and Catawba County Parks!

Children, teens, and adults are encouraged to participat­e in the reading challenges and to complete at least 600 minutes of reading over the summer. Prizes are awarded for those who register to participat­e and for those who complete the 600 minutes of reading. Prizes will also be awarded to children at the 200 and 400 minute marks to encourage summerlong participat­ion.

There will also be opportunit­ies for adults to participat­e in several programs, such as sampling a series of health and wellness exercises: CrossFit, tai chi, aqua yoga, pilates, chair yoga, and Zumba. There will also be classes teaching crochet, macrame, painting, and writing.

Registrati­on for 2022 Summer Learning for children, teens, and adults begins on Monday, May 16, with programs, activities, and reading challenges from June through early August.

Everyone is encouraged to register, at your local library branch or online at catawbacou­ntync.beanstack.org/reader365 when registrati­on opens on May 16. For more informatio­n, please visit your library or call 828.465.8664.

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