With the theme of “On your mark, get set — READ!,” the Old Bridge Public Library’s annual summer reading program kicks off on Sat. June 18th from 11am—2pm with crafts and programs for all ages. Among the day’s highlights include a special performance by the Rock n’ Roll Mother Goose at 11am. This high energy performance will allow kids to laugh and sing as they re-enact a favorite story. In addition, all participants can enjoy free ice cream—courtesy of Friendly’s — after the program, and Kroozin Productions will display some classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s outside the Library for the kick-off.
The summer reading program is divided into activities for elementary school students and for middle and high school students. Students in grades K-5 can earn prizes for every five books they read, program they attend, or online puzzle they complete. Older kids earn snacks for each book, movie, TV show, or game review they complete. Each review earns an entry into that week’s raffle, which awards prizes including gift cards, movie tickets and free food coupons. The Library will also have special age-appropriate incentives for pre-schoolers.
“The summer reading program allows kids to bridge the gap in learning between the old and new school years,” noted Library Director Nancy Cohen. “Studies show that children who read during summer break gain reading skills, while those who do not often see their skills ‘backslide.’ We have a wide variety of activities planned all summer that will keep kids engaged and excited about reading.”
The Library also sponsors an adult summer reading program, with a related theme of “Exercise your Mind.” To participate, patrons are asked to submit reviews for entry into weekly prize drawings. At the end of the summer, three Fit Bit fitness trackers will be raffled off to participants. The summer reading program runs through Aug. 27th and complete details and registration forms can be found at www.oldbridgelibrary.org. The program is supported this year by a generous donation from Walmart (2825 Rt. 18, Old Bridge) as well as local merchants Giusseppe’s Pizza, Friendly’s Restaurant, Panera Bread, JEI Learning Center, and the YMCA, along with the Friends of the Library.
The Old Bridge Public Library was recently voted “Best Public Library in Middlesex County” by the readers of the Home News Tribune. The Library is open seven-days-a-week and is located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza at the corner of Rt. 516 and Cottrell Road in the Municipal Center. More information about this and other Library programs can be found at www.oldbridgelibrary.org or by calling 732-721-5600 x5033. The satellite Laurence Harbor branch is located at 277 Shoreland Circle; phone: 732-566-2227.
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