Dip Into Literacy Fun with the Broomfield Library Summer Reading Program

By Kristen Beckman

This summer, the Broomfield Public Library is setting out on an ocean adventure to encourage reading and literacy, and all of Broomfield is invited to join in on the fun.

The theme for this year’s summer reading and activity program is “Oceans of Possibilities.” Pre-registration opened in May and the program runs from June 1 through July 21.

“The Broomfield Summer Library Adventures reading program is designed to welcome readers of all ages and levels so they find enjoyment in reading and discover opportunities to connect to the Broomfield community through a variety of programs and activities, including reading,” said Sarah Johnson, children’s library supervisor.

Johnson said the library expects a 20 percent increase in participation this summer after numbers declined in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Although the library continued to offer the program online in 2020, it was unable to offer prizes for completion. The Summer Library Adventures reading program included completion prizes again in 2021.

This year, there are two age brackets for the program: newborn through 4 year olds, and 5 year olds through adults. Participants earn 15 points by logging activities or books in Beanstack, including listening to books and stories. Everyone who earns 15 points is automatically entered into the grand prize drawing and can pick up a completion prize at the library beginning June 6, while supplies last. Those who earn 20 points will get a bonus grand prize entry. Prizes for completion include a day pass to a Broomfield Recreation facility, a pass to Chipper’s Lanes, free coupons to Chick-fil-A, a free book for children and teens, and a mug for adults.

The Broomfield Library also is offering a specific program to support struggling readers in 1st through 3rd grade. Rocket Readers Book Club is designed to help build reading fluency, strengthen comprehension, and practice social skills while preparing children for the next school year, said Johnson. Each week will focus on a different book to read and discuss with peers along with an engaging activity to support the reading.

The summer reading program includes a variety of activities and events, starting with an outdoor kick-off event June 4. The event will include active play, crafts, and the chance to sign up for the summer reading program. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Broomfield Library will also offer a variety of programs throughout the summer, including storytimes, summer concerts, movies, science programs, and more. A full listing of programs through the library can be viewed online at B-REx with the search term: SLA.

“The Broomfield Library is a place to connect to books, information, and neighbors through the library collection, spaces, and the programs offered at the library and inventHQ,” said Johnson. “The Broomfield Summer Library Adventures reading program motivates children, teens, and adults to continue reading throughout the summer and helps families with young children to develop reading habits to support early literacy development starting at a young age.”

Visit broomfield.beanstack.org for more information, registration, events, and reading logs. More information is also available at www.broomfield.org/2644/Summer-Library-Adventures.