Despite the loss of the highly anticipated kickoff, however, the Library System still has big plans to battle the Summer Slide. “Since we couldn’t host the Fantasy Faire event, we decided to rebrand the entire Summer Reading program as a Fantasy Faire. It really ties into all of our planned shared programs and it was just too much fun to abandon altogether,” says Chisum-Chaffee.
This year’s Summer Reading will include all of the fun patrons have come to expect from their library including story times, crafts, and programs. Everything has just been modified to respect social distancing needs. Each library will continue to host their own story times, put together fun activities for families to take part in, and offer incentives for reading including expanded use of the virtual platform Read Squared.
Read Squared is an innovative and interactive program that is very user friendly. Patrons can design their own avatar, record their reading, and participate in games and activities. Online tutorials will be provided to help patrons who are new to the platform and librarians are always just a call or click away for additional assistance.
Each year the libraries also offer a number of shared performances that travel between each library. This year, those programs will move online utilizing familiar tools such as Facebook Live, Zoom, and Boxcast. All of the events will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. so each week families can log in during those times knowing there will be a fun program waiting for them. Recordings will also be available for those that cannot tune in live.
This year many favorites are returning and a few new faces are bringing their own brand of creativity to patrons. All programs are designed to encourage laughter, movement, and learning. In keeping with the theme, each will incorporate the magic of storytelling and creativity.
Perennial beloved friends ScienceTellers will perform their special blend of science and storytelling on June 23 and 25. “Dragons: The Return of the Ice Sorceress” features dry ice special effects, exciting adventure, and tons of excitement. This family-friendly performance is perfect for anyone that enjoys science, fantasy, or just a good story. Links to the Zoom showings with passwords will be available from the libraries and on Facebook.
Old favorites BrightStar Theatre will present “Once Upon a Time…” on June 30 and July 2, which includes the greatest actors in the world, Lenny and Mabel, as they retell Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. Though designed for Pre-K through grade 5, all ages can find something to enjoy with this pun-filled, energetic show. Access to the program will be available via Facebook and from the libraries.
Finally, storyteller extraordinaire Fiona Siobhan Powell will bring her unique flavor of British Isles humor and sensibilities to the virtual stage on July 7 and 9. With over fifty years of expertise including thirty as a professional, Ms. Powell may be familiar to many residents in the area following her past partnership with the Bradford County Regional Arts Council. Her show, “Wales and the World” will include a variety of stories from around the globe. For those interested, she would also like to offer a storytelling workshop for ages 14 and up the following week. To register for the storytelling workshop, please send a message to the Library System of Bradford County Facebook messenger.
More information about each performer and other exciting offerings being presented by the individual libraries will be available online in the coming days. All nine libraries and the System will be sharing fun activities and links through their social media throughout the summer. “Summer Reading, an excellent alternative to wondering what to do,” quips Rosemary Wynott, Bookmobile Clerk.
The Library System of Bradford County is comprised of nine independent libraries serving Bradford County including the Allen F. Pierce Free Library in Troy, Bradford County Library in Burlington, Green Free Library in Canton, Mather Memorial Library in Ulster, Monroeton Public Library, Sayre Public Library, Spalding Memorial Library in Athens, Towanda Public Library, and Wyalusing Public Library. Call your local library or reach out to them on social media for more information about their modified hours and services as libraries throughout the Commonwealth transition through the COVID emergency.