Madison Public Library’s summer We Read campaign is in full swing! This summer-long program inspires youth to keep reading and invites families to participate in fun, free library programs in and around Madison.
“Reading, playing, and participating in fun activities over the summer helps kids maintain their learning while school’s out, keeps them engaged in positive activities, and creates joyful memories!” said Youth Services Supervisor Tammy Ocampo.
Each library is hosting a kickoff event in June where kids and families work with a local artist to make their own self-portrait as part of the ongoing Our Town Everywhere project, coordinated by the library’s Bubbler program.
The libraries are also offering a We Read Card Deck for families to enjoy at the library or at home. The deck has Connect Cards, Challenge Cards, Share Cards, and Prize Cards that invite children to engage with literacy, reading, and libraries in unique, exciting ways.
Finally, the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest invites kids 18 and under to submit a piece of writing on the theme of Moving Forward – Together. Submissions on or before June 30 will have a chance to win cash, prizes, and publication. Winners will be announced at the August 12 Forward Madison FC game at Breese Stevens Field, and the anthology will be distributed in the fall.
“However you engage with stories and books, writing, playing, and creating this summer, just know that Madison Public Library is here to support you,” said Ocampo.
We Read is funded by Ascendium Education Group, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Madison Public Library Foundation, Jane Doughty & David Wood, and Dick Goldberg & Lisa Munro.
Visit the library’s We Read page for more information and to learn about upcoming events.