NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Public Library is gearing up for their annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge – two months packed full of events, activities, prizes, and more for children, teens, and adults.
The beloved program is a fun way to combat the “summer slide,” or the tendency for students to lose some of the educational gains they made during the previous school year. Libraries across the country host summer reading programs in an effort to fill those gaps, as well as to encourage reading as a lifelong habit and to increase interest in libraries.
Everyone who registers for the Summer Fun & Reading Challenge will get a free book for their age group, a fun incentive to kick off your reading time. Logging 800 minutes and completing a variety of Library-themed BINGO activities will earn participants another prize – including a limited-edition tote bag designed by local artist Nichol Brinkman.
“Currently, less than half of New Orleans’ elementary-age students are reading at grade level, making it crucial that we work to intervene with creative ways to get kids excited about reading,” said Emily Painton, New Orleans Public Library executive director and city librarian. “By signing your family up for our Summer Fun & Reading Challenge, you can help your children engage with reading and literacy, while also having fun together.”
However, the Summer Fun and Reading Challenge is not just for children and families. The program features an exciting array of events and activities for people of all ages and interests – all of which are free and open to the public.
“Saying New Orleans summers are long and hot is an understatement,” said Shannan Cvitanovic, Friends of the New Orleans Public Library executive director. “Library events are fun, free, and accessible ways that residents – younger, older, and everything in between – can stay cool and have fun this summer, without the threat of financial burden. The Friends are so happy to be able to support that mission.”
Events include visits from Audubon Zoo, performing poodles, movie screenings, storytimes, fitness classes, art and STEM workshops, shoe decorating with the Krewe of Muses, and so much more. Additionally, three locations will offer kids snacks provided by Second Harvest Food Bank. Alvar Library (913 Alvar St.), Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center (4300 S. Broad St.), and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (1611 Fats Domino Ave.) will offer snacks Mondays – Thursdays from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. The fun kicks off on June 1. Pre-registration is open now. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
The 2023 Summer Fun & Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, with support from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc., GPOA Foundation, the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, and Raising Cane’s.
