Photo from Guernsey Library

NORWICH - The Guernsey Memorial Library’s free, annual summer reading program will begin Monday, July 6.

“We are excited to announce that the annual summer reading program will continue as planned this year,” said Children’s Librarian Kim Hazen. “We are confident that even though there will be some changes to accommodate the new normal, it will continue to be an educational and awarding experience for both children and teens.”

The summer reading program theme this year is “Imagine Your Story” and youth can begin registering for the reading clubs beginning Monday, June 22.

Children and teens participating in the reading clubs will have an option of either participating online or with a paper version. The online version can be found at http://gmlny09.readsquared.com/. The paper version can be picked up at the curbside service table at the Guernsey Memorial Library.

The goal is to read 1,000 minutes by Friday, August 14, 2020. Prizes will be awarded each week starting July 6 and ending Friday, August 14. Completing the program will earn participants a completion certificate.

There will be a variety of virtual performances this summer. Each week the library has hired a special performer to watch online. Most performances will be pre-recorded and there will be week to view the show.

“A benefit of this being the new normal is we were able to hire performers we have never had before such as Aimme Pryor, a ballon artist from Texas, and Diane Edgecomb, a storyteller from Boston. We also have many performers that reside in New York such as musician Pamela S. West-Finkle; Dave Ruch, also a musician; and Jim Maurer, comedy juggler. Performances can be found on Facebook and at GuernseyMemorialLibrary.org," said Hazen.

Also included in the summer reading program will be virtual story times, crafts, and more.

“Our goal is to offer many educational programs for children and teens of all ages whether it be in-person or online” said Hazen.

Contact the library at 334-4034 or no.kim@4cls.org with questions or for more information.