Children participating in the 2023 Summer Reading Program LEGO activity at the Sherburne Public Library. This year's Summer Reading Program theme is "Adventure Begins at Your Library," with a summer's worth of programming to promote reading, adventuring, and trying new things. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE — The Sherburne Public Library is encouraging reading in kids, teens, and adults this summer with their annual Summer Reading Program.

This year's theme is "Adventure Begins at Your Library," with a summer's worth of programming to promote reading, adventuring, and trying new things.

The program will begin with a registration and kick-off event on Tuesday, July 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sherburne Public Library, located at 2 East State Street in Sherburne. Kids, teens, and adults can register for the program and put together their passport, which will be used to track their reading throughout the summer. Refreshments and crafts will also be available.

"They have a goal of different reading times that they can earn prizes for, and it depends upon their age level," explained Sherburne Public Library Children's Librarian Michael Moren. "For example, six to 11 year olds, a gold reading level would be like 18 hours for the month, and actually I have a lot that obtain it, they're into it. And then the silver is 13 hours, and then the bronze is eight hours."

The program also uses beads to track reading time, and as a fun incentive to read more this summer. Children aged 11 and under will get one bead for every half hour they read, and one special bead for every four hours they read, which can be strung on their passport lanyard. Teens and adults will get one bead for every hour they read, and one special bead for every eight hours they read.

Moren said the library will be hosting a variety of programs and activities at the library that will also count for one hour of reading time for everyone who attends.

"That’s the one side of our program, encouraging kids, keeping kids reading for at least a month, if not more," he said. "And part of what helps that as well is that each summer reading program event that you attend adds one hour to your total reading time as well. So by attending different programs, you get to earn different time toward that goal."

On Wednesdays, the library will have performers coming to the library. Wednesday, July 10 will bring juggler Nate the Great, and on Wednesday, July 17 will be a performance by the Green Golly Project, a musical duo that combines guitar and flute music with storytelling.

The "Paddle to the Sea" exhibit will be at the library on Wednesday, July 24. Moren said its a bit like an art exhibit that will take attendees on a journey across the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, based on the book by the same name.

The last Wednesday program on July 31 will be a visit from REPCO Wildlife Encounters, an interactive reptile program. Moren said they'll be bringing 11 different reptiles to show attendees, with opportunities to touch the animals as well.

On Thursdays, Moren will be leading "Storytime for All," which includes a reading of a book based on an adventure at 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft. Topics for Thursday storytimes include The Great Book Chase, Scavenger Hunt, Bubblepalooza, and Adventures at Night.

Adventure programs will also be available on Thursdays at 3:15 p.m., with themes including Science Explorers, Adventures with a Compass, and Adventures with LEGOs.

From 3:15 to 5 p.m. on Fridays, the library will show adventure-themed movies, and Tuesdays from 3:15 to 5 p.m. will be a Dungeons and Dragons group for teens.

The programming is not just for kids and teens, however. Moren said they began adding programs for adults last year, and will continue to do so this summer. Adult programming will be at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays.

This year's adult programs include tie dye adventure bags on Monday, July 8; cupcake decorating adventures with Marie from Flour and Salt Bakery on July 15; tai chi meditation and movement on July 22; and a chance for adults to share their adventure and travel stories on July 29.

Summer Reading Program reading records are due back to the library by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 5. A celebration to wrap up the program and give awards to readers who hit gold, silver, and bronze reading times will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.

"A bronze award is you get a Stewart's single scoop certificate for ice cream. Silver we have mini bands or reading lights that have ‘Adventure Begins at your Library,’ and then for gold you get a book of your choice," said Moren.

The event will include ice cream donated by Gilligan's Island in Sherburne, as well as displays and booths from the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum, Chenango County 4-H, the Girl Scouts, and the Chenango County Health Department.

This program is funded by the Earlville Opera House's Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the NYS Senate with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

More information on the Summer Reading Program and a full list of summer programs can be found at SherburneLibraryNY.org or on the Sherburne Public Library Facebook page.