The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) and the Hancock School Library will launch their 2021 Summer Reading Program with events on June 17 and June 26. (Image courtesy PLDL)
[New Update: The Portage Lake District Library has CANCELLED the Community Paddle event that was re-scheduled for June 24, because of predicted weather. An August paddle event may be scheduled later.]
HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) and the Hancock School Public Library are thrilled to launch
the 2021 summer reading program, Tails and Tales. The program will see both libraries engage students and residents in summer reading activities all season long.
Each year, libraries across the country host a summer reading program to keep children and families reading throughout the summer and to help prevent what educators call the summer slide. The summer slide is described as the tendency for students to lose reading achievement gains made the year prior if they are not reading over the summer.
Pre-registration for the reading program will open on Thursday, June 17, alongside an outdoor storytime event, Books Of A Feather, hosted by the Hancock School Public Library from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hancock Tori and Farmer’s Market on Quincy Green.
PLDL will host a Summer Reading kick-off event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, at the library. At the kick-off event, participants can sign-up for the program and enjoy ice cream, face painting, and other summer reading themed crafts and activities. The Library Book Bike will also be onsite to share further information about the program and the library.
This year the library will once again offer the ability for participants to register online using the Beanstack app. The online registration portal will allow users to track their summer reading progress from a PC, laptop, or other mobile device. There will also be paper registration available for those who do not wish to participate in the online program.
Summer Reading Program participants will receive prizes and incentives as they reach different reading benchmarks throughout the program. Prizes this year include a free book and a $5 voucher to the Downtown Houghton Farmer’s Market.
The 8-week program will also include outdoor events throughout the summer, such as free paddling programs, live music and outdoor storytime programs. The program ends on August 14.
NEW UPDATE: Community Paddle CANCELLED. See above.
On Thursday, June 24, a community paddle is being hosted by the Portage Lake District Library, Keweenaw Land Trust, and Michigan Tech's Outdoor Adventure Program. This date has been changed because of weather predicted for June 17.
Bring your own boat or boats and instruction will be provided. The paddle will depart from the East Houghton Waterfront Park. Youth paddle (ages 12-17) will be from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and an adult only paddle will depart after 5:30 p.m.
Minors must have a parent present at drop-off to sign a liability waiver. Registration is required and can be found HERE.
The Summer Reading Program is free and open to all. Online registration is also available. Visit the PLDL website at www.pldl.org to learn more.
PLDL and the Hancock Library are open for limited, in-person services with regular hours.*
Based on updated guidance and Emergency Order from MiOSHA and MDHHS, PLDL has made the following changes to their pandemic related policies:
-- Patrons who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask while in the library.
-- Library employees who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask while in the library.
Click here for details.
* For PLDL regular hours, click here. For Hancock School Library hours, click here.
