From the Orange County Library System
In Summary:
The Orange County Library System is inviting children, teens, and adults to participate in its Summer at Your Library program, featuring a 30-day Summer Reading Challenge and dozens of free events. Children ages 0-18 can earn a free book while supplies last and enter grand prize drawings by tracking their reading progress. The North Orange Branch in Apopka will also host special performances, including a Juneteenth-inspired concert by GRAMMY-winning artist Fyütch and a dinosaur-themed educational program with Roy Stone.
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Summer at Your Library is back at Orange County Library System, and it is jam-packed with fun, free, entertaining, air-conditioned programming.
But most importantly, the library is cheering you on as you take on the Summer Reading Challenge and read for 30 days this summer – kids (ages 0-18) get a free book!
Related: 50 classic books that almost every American had to read in high school.
Visit a library location, like the North Orange Branch at 1211 E. Semoran Blvd in Apopka, to pick up a reading challenge booklet and track your progress. The booklets also feature fun activities and a way to earn extra entries for the End of Summer grand prize drawing.
Photo from Orange County Library System
While you’re at the library, kids can pick out a free book to take home, while supplies last. The Youth Services library staff carefully selected titles for kids and their caregivers. These books help kick off the Kids Summer Reading Challenge, promote building a reading habit, and offer kids a summer keepsake to enjoy. The Friends of the Orange County Library System have made this giveaway possible through their generous donations since 2023.
The Friends of the Library’s annual appeal focuses on raising money to get free books in the hands of young readers. The Friends also fund an annual giveaway for children enrolled in Orange County Head Start programs. These children receive one book each year, hand-selected by OCLS Storyteller Crystal Sullivan, featuring high-interest themes tailored to their reading level.
Photo from Orange County Library System
Volunteers gather throughout the year to prepare and package the books for distribution and hear more about library happenings. To learn more about the Friends’ mission or to donate money for future books, please visit https://friends.ocls.org/about/.
Of course, Summer at Your Library isn’t just about reading; it’s also about unforgettable experiences. North Orange Branch will host GRAMMY-winning artist Fyütch for a Juneteenth-inspired concert celebrating community, Black history, and culture through a blend of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and pop on Thursday, June 18, at 10:30 am. Unearth the Magic with Roy Stone and dig into adventure with dinosaurs, fossils, and prehistoric fun on Thursday, June 25, at 10:30 am.
The Orange County Library System is inviting children, teens, and adults to participate in its Summer at Your Library program, featuring a 30-day Summer Reading Challenge and dozens of free events.
Photo from the Orange County Public Library System
Explore music, animals, science, art, and more with an array of free programs all summer long. Adults can also enjoy special, themed programs including crafting, cooking, painting, gardening, and more. For further details and a full schedule of events, visit https://ocls.org/summer-at-your-library/.
Key Points:
- Children ages 0-18 can earn a free book through the Summer Reading Challenge.
- Participants are encouraged to read for 30 days and track their progress in a challenge booklet.
- The North Orange Branch in Apopka will host special summer performances and educational programs.
- GRAMMY-winning artist Fyütch will perform a Juneteenth-inspired concert on June 18.
- All Summer at Your Library programs and activities are free to attend.
