SUMMER READING PROGRAM 2025


There’s a phrase floating around that I love, “library kid”. I was a total library kid in my day! When I was very young we lived just down the street from our neighborhood library, so close we could easily walk. We’d go often, spend hours there, and get piles of picture books to bring home and read them together, my mom, brother and me. The tradition of spending time at the library and coming home with stacks of books lasted easily into my teen years.
On top of that, I lived for Summer Reading. A challenge to read as many books as possible? Sign me up! A challenge to read certain types of books, get my sheet stamped and win prizes? I’m in! Whatever the library devised that summer, this library kid was always excited to participate. I also have some vague memories of our library having a knights and ladies celebration one summer, full on with plastic swords, dragons, and pretend duels. I had a pointy hat with a long streamer, very ladylike indeed. So, I hope your library kid will participate in summer reading this year at ACLS! Whether it’s to stave off boredom, help with the summer slide, or simply because your kid, like me, is up for any reading challenge, it is well worth your time! Beyond the reading component there are multiple programs planned at all locations. And don’t worry we have a teen component and an adult year-long Chapter Chasers program for parents too! Find it all on the website or ask any staff member!
See you at the Library!
For 2025, we invite you to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. This summer’s Color Our World theme is designed to inspire and engage readers through a diverse array of artistic expressions.
Get registered with our online tracking software, Beanstack. For the best experience, and to be eligible for prize drawings, you’ll need to set up a Beanstack account.
Set up an account or log into your account. If you created an account for previous summer reading programs, please use that account instead of making a new one. You’ll simply check off your hour per week of reading to earn badges and be automatically entered to win prizes!
Scan the QR code to sign up for an account (or access your current account) using your library card or visit our Beanstack page.
If you need help registering or logging your reading and activities, ask a friendly librarian. We’re always ready to help!
Download the Beanstack app
Celebrate the start of our 2025 Summer Reading Program at a library kickoff event! Visit our Anderson, Belton, Lander (Williamston), Pendleton, or Powdersville libraries for a morning of fun games and activities for the whole family. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge while you’re there!
SAT., MAY 31 | 11 AM
Register for our Summer Reading program and enjoy fun games and activities! Make sure you stop and see the animals at the Petting Zoo, AnMed Health for their bike rodeo, and other fun things like our balloon twister, face paint, and more!
SAT., MAY 31 | 10:30 AM
Enjoy a fun summer snack, stamp and decorate your summer bookmark, make a fun colorful mandala wooden magnet or beautiful sand art craft. We will have a station set up to get each patron registered and informed.
SAT., MAY 31 | 11 AM
Join us as we kickoff Summer Reading in a colorful celebration! Get registered and enjoy games, crafts and more.
SAT., MAY 31 | 11 AM
Help us kick off Summer Reading with DJ Bennie Bee, face painting, balloon twisting, and carnival games! The carnival will be from 11-1, the face painter and the balloon twister will be there from 11-12.
SAT., MAY 31 | 11 AM
Join us as we kick off the Summer Reading Program with our very own carnival! Partake in fun games and carnival activities that the whole family will enjoy. Also, put your creativity to work and create a fun craft to take home with you!
Edutainer. Author. Children's DJ. Creative Arts Enthusiast. These are just a few words to describe this country boy from the small town of Great Falls, South Carolina. Chris first discovered his musical roots by singing in his family’s church choir as a young child. It was there that he found his voice and learned how to command a stage.
In 2014, Chris graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Winthrop University. He went on to become a Special Education teacher and recently graduated from Clemson University with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.
Paul DiLella started performing magic during his tour of duty with the United States Air Force and has been performing magic for over 46 years. Although he performs all types of magic (Close-Up, Cabaret / Stage, Birthday Parties), he mostly prefers performing for children. Paul has volunteered at pediatric wards in hospitals and has been a counselor / magician at the American Cancer Society's Camp of the Rising Sun, a camp for children diagnosed with cancer in Connecticut.
B-Rad performs over 300 shows a year for families, libraries, festivals, and corporate events. His experience in magical children’s entertainment comes from over twenty-five years of performing. His superior talent stands out against other children’s entertainers. It is his unique ability to mix his own silly style of amazing magic with hands-on audience participation that creates his hilarious entertaining shows. He prides his professional show level on creating exciting magic routines, implementing new trends for wholesome family entertainment, and perfecting magical educational programs for children.
"Squirrely" Friends of the Library volunteer Janeen Miklos got her start in puppetry 44 years ago as a Girl Scout and has been doing it ever since. An amateur naturalist from the Charleston area, most of her community programs are based on nature and animal puppets.
Sounds of Carolina was founded in 2016 by Caitlin Whitehouse Sparace, as a culmination of her experience teaching and performing around the world. Since its start, Sounds of Carolina has continued to grow through support from the Upstate community. What began with one student at the Anderson Arts Center has grown into a wonderful community of teachers and students between Anderson and Greenville locations. Caitlin enjoys continuing to learn every day about music, life, and business ownership. Striving for excellence in all things, while still having fun. She lives in North Greenville with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
A big thank you to our Summer Reading Program sponsors! We could not do what we do without your generous support!
300 N. McDuffie St. • Anderson, SC • (864) 260-4500
SAT, MAY 31 • 11A
Register for our Summer Reading program and enjoy fun games and activities while you take a look at some of the new and exciting things happening around the library at our Summer Reading Kickoff! Also, visit our ReadLocal. Author Fair while you’re here!
WED, JUNE 4 • 1:30P
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
FRIDAYS BEGINNING JUNE 6 • 9:45A
Children ages 6-12 can practice building reading skills and confidence by reading a book of their choice to a registered therapy dog from SC Dog Therapy Group. Registration opens Saturday, May 24.
WED, JUNE 11 • 2:30P
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
SAT, JUNE 14 • 3P | WED, JUNE 25 & JULY 9 • 3P
Hear multitalented artist Emma Twigg walk through her process and guide you through making your own special drawing to take home!
WED, JUNE 18 • 1:30P
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
Art and a Movie: Up and Adventure Books
WED, JUNE 25 • 1:30P
Join us at the library for an art adventure! Watch Disney's "Up" (rated PG) and create your very own adventure book, just like Carl and Ellie!
SAT, JUNE 28 • 2P
Create your own unique painting using recycled canvases to create a creative collage of color.
WED, JULY 2 • 1:30P
Come dressed as your favorite book character or book character type (princess, dragon, animal, etc.) and enjoy a middle-of-the-summer day of fun, games, art, and pictures!
WED, JULY 9 • 1:30P
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
The Magic Man: Paul DiLella
WED, JULY 16 • 1:30P
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
TUE, JULY 22 • 3P
Enjoy community and creativity crafting your own perler bead creature, craft, caravan, or whatever else comes to mind!
WED, JULY 23 • 1:30P
It's time to party! Join us for our End-of-Summer Bash as we celebrate an amazing summer full of reading, learning, and fun with the library.
FRI, JULY 25 • 1P
Unleash your artistic side as you paint your favorite characters inspired from Five Nights at Freddy’s while enjoying a spine-chilling screening of the movie in the ECC Makerspace. Also, play Five Nights at Freddy’s in the Teen Room at 3:30p!
Library 91 Breazeale St.
SAT, MAY 31 • 10:30A
Enjoy a fun summer snack, stamp and decorate your summer bookmark, make a fun colorful Mandala wooden magnet or beautiful sand art craft at our Summer Reading Kickoff party! Also, talk to our staff about signing up for our Summer Reading program.
DJ Pre-K Dance Party
TUE, JUNE 3 • 10:30A
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
The Magic Man: Paul DiLella
TUE, JUNE 10 • 10:30A
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
TUE, JUNE 17 • 10:30A
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
91 Breazeale St. • Belton, SC • (864) 338-8330
TUE, JUNE 24 • 10:30A
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
TUE, JULY 1 • 10:30A
Join us for a midsummer celebration! Embrace the "Color Our World" theme while creating fun bookmarks, decorating cookies and/or donuts, and making a fun friendship bracelet to wear or share!
TUE, JULY 8 • 10:30A
Be a clever crafter at the library! Learn how to create a fiddle key ring and try your hand at squeegee art.
TUE, JULY 15 • 10:30A
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
SAT, JULY 19 • 10:30A
It's time to party! Join us for our End-of-Summer Bash as we celebrate an amazing summer full of reading, learning, and fun with the library.
622 E Front St • Iva, SC • (864) 348-6150
THU, JUNE 5 • 10:30A
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
THU, JUNE 12 • 10:30A
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
TUE, JUNE 17 & JULY 15 • 2P
Let's learn to cook this summer! Laura from Clemson Extension will be joining us for some cooking fun, where she'll teach teens delicious and fun snacks to make with air fryers, toaster ovens, and more. Ages 8-18.
THU, JUNE 19 • 10:30A
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
622 E Front St • Iva, SC • (864) 348-6150
THU, JUNE 26 • 10:30A
It's Marble Run Madness at the library! Come see what you can build using our colorful connectors and, of course, test it with a marble (or two!)
DJ Pre-K Dance Party
THU, JULY 10 • 10:30A
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
THU, JULY 10 • 3P
Learn the basics of drawing with guest presenter Emma Twigg, in this free 1-hour workshop! All materials provided, no experience necessary. Ages 818.
THU, JULY 17 • 10:30A
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
318 N Shirley Ave • Honea Path, SC • (864) 369-7751
FRI, JUNE 13 • 10:30A
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading. This event will be held at the Watkins Community Center, located at 204 S. Main Street, Honea Path, SC.
FRI, JULY 11 • 10:30A
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party! This event will be held at the Watkins Community Center, located at 204 S. Main Street, Honea Path, SC.
925 Greenville Dr. • Williamston, SC • (864) 847-5238
SAT, MAY 31 • 10:30A
Help us kick off Summer Reading with DJ Bennie Bee, face painting, balloon twisting, and carnival games! The carnival will be from 11-1, the face painter and balloon twister will be there from 11-12.
THU, JUNE 5 • 3:30P
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
925 Greenville Dr. • Williamston, SC • (864) 847-5238
THU, JUNE 12 • 3:30P
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
TUE, JUNE 17 • 3:30P
Do you like anime and manga? Learn how to draw your favorite characters with Miss Emma from the Anderson Arts Council. Ages 8-18.
THU, JUNE 19 • 3:30P
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
THU, JUNE 26 • 3:30P
Join us for a hilarious reading of I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont. Also, create a life-size portrait with crayons and markers to take home!
THU, JULY 10 • 3:30P
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
THU, JULY 10, 17, 24 • 11A
Practice various cooking skills and learn some yummy, easy recipes that you can make at home. Ages 10-18.
THU, JULY 17 • 3:30P
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
SAT, MAY 31 • 11A
Join us at the Pendleton Library as we kick off Summer Reading in a colorful celebration! Get registered and enjoy games, crafts and more.
MON, JUNE 2 • 3:30P
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
MON, JUNE 9 • 3:30P
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
FRI, JUNE 13, 20, 27 • 11A
Teens, let's learn to cook this summer! Laura from Clemson Extension will be joining us for some cooking fun, where she'll teach teens delicious and fun snacks to make with air fryers, toaster ovens, and more.
MON, JUNE 16 • 3:30P
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
MON, JUNE 23 • 3:30P
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
TUE, JUNE 24 & JULY 10 • 2P
Join us for a Nintendo-themed afternoon of video games, Perler beads, and snacks.
MON, JUNE 30 • 3:30P
Put away those screens and get back to basics: paper. Learn about the life cycle of paper before getting hands on and making your own with Ann Marie from Anderson County Soil and Water Conservation District.
MON, JULY 7 • 3:30P
Explore color and texture by making a squeegee art mixed media masterpiece.
MON, JULY 14 • 3:30P
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
MON, JULY 21 • 3:30P
Join us for our End-of-Summer Bash as we celebrate an amazing summer full of reading, learning, and fun.
4
SAT, MAY 31 • 11A
Join us at the Powdersville Library as we kick off the Summer Reading Program with our very own carnival! Partake in fun games and carnival activities that the whole family will enjoy. Also, put your creativity to work and create a fun craft to take home with you!
TUE, JUNE 3 • 3:30P
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
THU, JUNE 5, 12, 26 • 11A
Teens, let's learn to cook this summer! Laura from Clemson Extension will be joining us for some cooking fun, where she'll teach teens delicious and fun snacks to make with air fryers, toaster ovens, and more.
TUE, JUNE 10 • 3:30P
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
Extravaganza
TUE, JUNE 17 • 3:30P
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo' where you can experiment with different instruments and discover your new favorite sound!
MON, JUNE 23 • 3:30P
Learn the basics of drawing with guest presenter Emma Twigg in this free 1-hour workshop! All materials provided, no experience necessary. Ages 8-18.
TUE, JUNE 24 • 3:30P
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
TUE, JULY 1 • 3:30P
Come dressed as your favorite book character for the costume contest, join in the book walk to get a free book or prize, make some unique jewelry and other fun crafts, eat some yummy snacks and more to celebrate the middle of summer!
TUE, JULY 8 & THU, JULY 10 • 11A
Join us at the library to learn about community resilience and ways we can make our communities better for everyone!
TUE, JULY 8 • 3:30P
Stencil art is fun and easy! Create your own stencil art project, so easy you can create a cool-looking piece of art in less than an hour. Let's get together and see what you can create.
4 Civic Court • Powdersville, SC • (864) 295-1190
TUE, JULY 15 • 11A
Create your own tie dye t-shirt or bag with a design uniquely your own! All materials provided.
TUE, JULY 15 • 3:30P
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will mesmerize and delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
THU, JULY 17 • 11A
Enjoy boba tea? Then join us for this fun program, perfect for foodies! Learn the technique of boba tea and try your hand at crafting different flavors, such as coconut, grape, green apple, and strawberry.
TUE, JULY 22 • 3:30P
It's time to party! Join us for our End-of-Summer Bash as we celebrate an amazing summer full of reading, learning, and fun with the library.
MON, JUNE 2 • 10:30A
Get the party started with DJ Pre-K! This musical extravaganza is sure to get your children up, moving and making memories, so put on your "Boogie Shoes" and get ready to party!
MON, JUNE 9 • 10:30A
Enjoy an unforgettable performance filled with tricks, visuals, and laughter with The Magic Man, Paul DiLella.
MON, JUNE 16 • 10:30A
This interactive performance will feature lively songs, introductions to a variety of instruments, and a handson 'instrument petting zoo.’
MON, JUNE 23 • 10:30A
Enjoy this unique puppet show, where furry friends come to life to teach kids about different animals, their colors, habitats, and more. With interactive fun, silly songs, and cuddly characters, this puppet show is great for everyone!
MON, JULY 7 • 10:30A
It's Marble Run Madness at the library! Come see what you can build using our colorful connectors and, of course, test it with a marble (or two!)
MON, JULY 14 • 10:30A
B-Rad the Kids' Magician is back with his amazing blend of magic and comedy. B-Rad will delight kids of all ages, sparking imagination and inspiring a love of reading.
Unleash your inner artist and create a mini masterpiece!
Participating is easy!
Step 1: Grab a tiny 3" x 3" canvas from your local library.
Step 2: Make some tiny art!
Step 3: Turn in your artwork by May 31 to be part of our big Tiny Art Show!
See details at andersonlibrary.org/tiny-art
What does our theme “Color Our World” mean to you?
We want your epic original stories and creative comics to be featured in our first annual anthology magazine
Literarily Overdue!
Get your pens and paper ready and hit us with your best short story or comic for your chance to be one of the eight stories published.
Submit your entry starting May 31. Open to ages 12 and up.
See details at andersonlibrary.org/anthology-magazine-contest.
Thank you for participating in our Summer Reading program. We hope you had a blast and learned some new things this summer!
Please make sure all of your reading is logged in Beanstack by July 31 so you can be entered to win a fabulous grand prize! Grand prize drawings will take place on August 4.
If you need help logging your weekly reading, simply ask your friendly librarian for help.
ANDERSON COUNTY LIBRARY AUTHOR FAIR
ReadLocal. Author Fair
SAT, MAY 31 • 11A • ANDERSON
Join us for the ReadLocal. Author Fair! Discoverandsupportlocaltalentasyou meet and shop from over a dozen talented authors, independent publishers,andliteraryartisans.
Connect with fellow STEAM lovers at our brandnew Saturday STEAM Lab for kids! This club is perfect for any child looking to meet new friends and learn something new. Our Saturday STEAM Labs have something for everyone, whether it's brushing up on teamwork and problem-solving skills in our Engineering and Technology Labs, or using science and math to create a masterpiece in our Creation Lab. No matter which aspect of STEAM you choose, our STEAM Labs are sure to be filled with new adventures! Visit our events calendartoviewthefullschedule.
STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is an educational approach that integrates these five disciplines into a holistic learning experience.
Why is it important?
Encourages critical thinking: STEAM education promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It encourages kids to ask questions, analyze data, and think creatively to find solutions to real-world problems.
Fosters creativity: The arts component in STEAM allows kids to express their creativity and imagination. This is essential for developing well-rounded individuals who can approach challenges with innovative solutions.
Real-world relevance: STEAM subjects are highly relevant to the real world. They help kids understand how the world works and how to navigate it effectively. This relevance can make learning more engaging and meaningful.
Anderson Main Library
300 N. McDuffie St. • Anderson • (864) 260-4500 Mon-Thu: 9a-8p | Fri-Sat: 9a-6p | Sun: 2p-6p
Belton Library
91 Breazeale St. • Belton • (864) 338-8330
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 6pm
Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 8pm Saturday 10am – 2pm
Bookmobile
bookmobile@andersonlibrary.org • (864) 260-4500 ext. 176
Iva Library
106 East Broad St. • Iva • (864) 348-6150
Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Jennie Erwin Library
318 N. Shirley Ave. • Honea Path • (864) 369-7751
Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Lander Memorial Library
925 Greenville Dr. • Williamston • (864) 847-5238 Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Pendleton Library
650 S. Mechanic St. • Pendleton • (864) 646-3045 Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Piedmont Library
1407 SC Hwy 86 • Piedmont • (864) 845-6534 Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Powdersville Library
4 Civic Court • Powdersville • (864) 295-1190 Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Westside Community Center Library
1100 W. Franklin St. • Anderson • (864) 260-4660 Mon-Fri: 10a-4p