Summer vacation is almost upon us and that means one thing for Toronto Public Library branches: it’s time for the TD Summer Reading Club! The TD Summer Reading Club is a free and inclusive national, bilingual program of Canadian public libraries that inspires and encourages children 12 and under to read during the summer.
The theme for this year’s club is Go! Club members are invited to ‘travel’ and explore their neighbourhoods and the world afar through their summer activities at the library, outside of the library, online and through – what else? – reading, of course!
To join the club, drop by your local library branch once school is out and ask staff to register. All children who register will receive their very own reading passport (brand new this year!) complete with an ID page to be filled out, and blank pages that can be filled with nine different stickers from the library. To receive a sticker or ‘stamp’ in their passport, children just have to read (or have read to them) great books, and tell us about them.
Children six to 12 years old will also get a magazine full of activities, puzzles, games and booklists. Children five and under will receive a special pre-reading activity booklet designed for them to use with a parent or caregiver.
If that wasn’t enough, the reading club website (tdsummerreadingclub.ca) is complete with games, jokes, e-books and other awesome adventures. Each sticker that children receive at the library includes a special code that unlocks bonus content on the website.
The reading club artwork was created by award-winning children’s book illustrator Matt James.
So why join the TD Summer Reading Club? I can list a few reasons.
Children need to retain their reading skills over the summer and joining the club can help accomplish this as well as inspire a sense of adventure and wonder, while nurturing imaginations and celebrating accomplishments.
It can also build children’s confidence in and excitement about reading. Ultimately, join the club because it’s fun!
While you’re visiting your local branch to sign up for the club, you’re invited to stay for some cool, free programs. From an incredible magic show at the Gerrard/Ashdale Branch to a musical program celebrating West Africa at the Main Street Branch, from a safe cycling workshop at the Beaches Branch to a puppet show of the Three Billy Goats Gruff at the Danforth/Coxwell Branch, there is lots to see and do this summer at Toronto Public Library.
We’re a fun, safe destination right in your own neighbourhood, that kids can explore with family, on their own or with friends. Check the library website for a complete listing and schedule of programs: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Have fun exploring near and far this summer. We look forward to seeing you at the library … again and again and again!
Shannon Keith is a Children’s Librarian at the Toronto Public Library’s Danforth/Coxwell Branch.
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