Summer reading has an important mission: to motivate kids, teens, and adults to read for fun, and help prevent learning loss while school is out. To accomplish this mission, the Manhattan Public Library has partnered with local businesses and organizations to give out great prizes for reading, such as free books, gift certificates to local restaurants, and passes to the Sunset Zoo and the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
The gift certificates and prizes for summer reading have been purchased by the Manhattan Library Association or donated by local businesses and organizations. The library would like to thank these generous sponsors: Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, Pediatric Associates, Applebees, Carmike Cinemas, Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s, Coaching for Literacy, The Dusty
Bookshelf, Exploration Place Wichita, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Hazel Hill Chocolates, Manhattan Kiwanis Club, Noodles & Company, Panera Bread, Papa John’s Pizza, Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza, Pizza Hut, Ray’s Apple Market, Sunset Zoo, Taco Bell, Target, Varsity Donuts, Vista Drive In, Westloop Floral, Wheat State Pizza, and Which Wich.
Last year more than 2,200 children, 370 teens, and 460 adults participated in the summer reading program and together logged more than 1,000,000 minutes of reading time. This year the library hopes to top all of those numbers.
Summer reading will begin with a huge kickoff party on May 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visit the library for crafts, games, and a magic show with Ken Garwick! Sign up for summer reading while you’re there, or sign up online at www.MHKLibrary.org.
The theme for 2015 is “Every Hero Has a Story,” and it’s all about heroes and adventure. After you sign up, simply keep track of the time you spend reading or listening to books in June and July and earn great prizes. Different prizes are earned based on your age group, and can be picked up at the library until August 1. People of all ages, from babies to grandparents, can participate in the summer reading program for free.
Exciting activities for kids and teens are also offered throughout June and July. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information about Storytimes, After Hours Parties, Summer Clubs, and all summer events, check the event schedule on the library’s website www.MHKLibrary.org or pick up a calendar at the library.
Visit Manhattan Public Library at 629 Poyntz Avenue, call (785) 776-4741. You can also find the library on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram
