Celebrate 10 years of adventures at the Library this summer

(Lawrence, KS) Lawrence Public Library invites the community to spend the summer completing reading challenges, attending free events, and earning prizes from Wednesday, May 22nd to Saturday, August 17th. This summer’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library / La aventura comienza en tu biblioteca”, calls all ages to celebrate the city of Lawrence and literacy by “camping out to read” at the library. The Summer Reading Challenge kicks off with a party on Thursday, May 23rd from 6 to 8pm on the Library Lawn at 707 Vermont Street. The Kickoff Party will offer free Eileen's cookies, opens a new window and Free State, opens a new window beer available for purchase, live music from local band Soundwave, opens a new window, and KU Athletics, opens a new window inflatable fun. Summer Reading is sponsored by the Library Friends & Foundation, McGrew Real Estate, opens a new window, the Douglas County Community Foundation, opens a new window, BNSF Railway, opens a new window, Crown Toyota of Lawrence,, opens a new window and Security Benefit, opens a new window. Events are free and open to the public.

This summer, we're setting an ambitious goal to have 4,500 people complete their Summer Reading Challenge! – Karen Allen, Public Services Manager

“Summer is the perfect time to embark on a reading adventure! By diving into books during the summer months, children and teens can explore new worlds, meet fascinating characters, and develop a lifelong love for reading,” Karen Allen, Public Services Manager shared. “This summer, we're setting an ambitious goal to have 4,500 people complete their Summer Reading Challenge! Whether you're a young reader discovering the magic of books, a student reading for fun and to keep their skills sharp, or an adult taking in some beach reads, everyone can join the adventure. With each page turned, we move closer to creating a community of passionate readers who understand the joy and importance of literacy.”

Participants can sign up at the library's website at lplks.org/summer-reading and pick from two challenge options: tracking by hours read or number of books with the Beanstack app or paper log. Everyone who finishes gets prizes from generous community businesses and organizations and entry into our grand prize raffles. Finishers can start picking up their prizes at the library beginning Monday, June 10th.

Summer Reading highlights include a city-wide scavenger hunt spanning from Saturday, June 1st to Wednesday, July 31st, the library's annual How-To Festival featuring community presenters with expertise on a variety of topics on Saturday, June 8th, the Library's first-ever Multicultural Fair celebrating diversity and the World Languages collection on Saturday, July 13th, and a party with a movie and music on Friday, July 26th to celebrate the library building’s 10th anniversary and all of our summer reading finishers. Summer Reading prizes highlights include: 1 free game of bowling at Royal Crest Lanes, 1 free Eileen’s Colossal Cookie, free books, and more. View the extensive list of Summer Reading prizes at lplks.org/summer-reading.

‘Adventure’ holds different meaning from person-to-person–a first grader reading a new genre and digging it, a young adult applying for a job in a new field and landing it, someone struggling to make ends meet getting connected to the resources they need to even start thinking on what ‘adventure’ can look like beyond barriers. That begins–and continues–at the library. – Brad Allen, Executive Director

“The theme, ‘Adventure Begins at Your Library’ is fitting for LPL this year as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our renovated library building,” Brad Allen, Executive Director shared. “‘Adventure’ holds different meaning from person-to-person–a first grader reading a new genre and digging it, a young adult applying for a job in a new field and landing it, someone struggling to make ends meet getting connected to the resources they need to even start thinking on what ‘adventure’ can look like beyond barriers. That begins–and continues–at the library. I’ve been proud to serve as director for 12 years at LPL and be a part of 10 years of adventures in the new building alongside informed and passionate staff to serve Lawrence, and we’re looking forward to 10 more.”

Visiting the library regularly is a fun outing that heartens both new and experienced readers to associate reading and learning with positive experiences. Children and teens can connect with their peers and their parents, as well as librarians ready to help find the right book and answer questions. Books read at library storytimes count towards Summer Reading, too. Adults also benefit from Summer Reading. Research, opens a new window shows when adults prioritize reading in their lives they experience reduced stress, more restful sleep, prevent cognitive decline, and have a more empathetic and positive outlook on life.

Other ways to participate in Summer Reading include reading the same book together with a “Book Club in a Bag” kit, completing the library's Book Squad “Squad Goals”— a year-long challenge that motivates adults to keep reading long after Summer Reading ends, and shopping for your home library at the Library Friends & Foundation book sales. The 2nd Saturday Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th. Next is the library's Summer Book Sale which runs Friday through Sunday, July 12th to 14th. Finally, the Friends Express Bookstore is open during library business hours and is located in the Lobby and Lower Level. All gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks are priced $2 and under. All proceeds from library books sales fund Summer Reading and various other library literacy efforts.

About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.