It'll be a vibrant theme for an annual sunny literacy event in Chilliwack this summer.
The Fraser Valley Regional Library's Summer Reading Club returns on June 21. The theme this year is 'Colour Your Summer' and events and activities are taking place at all three library branches in Chilliwack.
It's open to people of all ages and there are three categories: kids (ages 0-12), teens, and adults.
The goal is to read every day for seven weeks for at least 15 minutes a day. Every kid earns a medal for reading seven weeks. Participants keep track of their reading with a paper reading record, which can be picked up at any library. Or, they can track their reading online via Beanstack at fvrlca.beanstack.org.
"You can read anything – books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, or graphic novels. All reading counts," said librarian Shelby Deglan. "We really love to encourage families to sign up together – parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends, too. Friends and family can participate together to support each other’s reading and set a positive example."
It's free to sign up and people can win weekly and grand prizes. Registration begins on June 21.
Prizes include: Steam Deck LCD portable gaming devices, KiwiCo Toy Kits, $50 Indigo gift cards, prize baskets, local goods, other gift cards, and more.
The kick-off party is Thursday, July 3 at the Chilliwack Library from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There will be a bouncy castle, outdoor games, face painting, community booths, prizes, and more. Norden the Magician will host a magic show at 12 p.m.
Here's a lineup of Summer Reading Club events
The 'Summertime in Salish Park' events (outside the Chilliwack Library) happen every Monday with a story time at 10 a.m. followed by a special guest from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There's also a special event on July 5:
- July 10: The Circus Lab
- July 17: West Coast Exotics
- July 24: Penny Pom Pom
- July 31: Puppet Show with Elspeth
- Aug. 7: Robin Layne: Journey Into Rhythm
- Aug. 14: Andy the Musical Scientist
- Aug. 21: Craftapalooza
- Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary: Saturday, July 5, 11 a.m.
Sardis Library events:
- Karima Essa: Bollywood Star Dance & Workshop: Wednesday, July 16, 10 a.m.
- Rock Painting (kids): Saturday, July 12, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Storytime at Blue Heron Reserve (kids): Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Learn About Growing Plants and Pollinators with Us (kids): Friday, July 25, 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Gardening with Nature (adults): Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Teen Sewing Programs: Wednesday, July 30, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
- Summer Reading Club medal ceremony: Thursday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Yarrow Library events:
- Robin Layne: Journey Into Rhythm: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2 p.m.
- Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1 p.m.
- Yarrow Library will have a booth at the 53rd Yarrow Days parade on Saturday, June 7
A list of all the upcoming events and performances to celebrate Summer Reading Club are online at fvrl.bc.ca/events.
For more information about the FVRL Summer Reading Club, go to fvrl.bc.ca/summer-reading-club.
