Tulsa City-County Library Begins Summer Reading Program, All Ages Awards | local news

Laura Raphael, the library’s children’s services coordinator, said the program uses prizes and incentives to encourage Tulsanians to read. She said children and teens who continue reading through the summer avoid the “summer slip” in academic ability and are better prepared to return to school in the fall.

“We have the Summer Reading Program for one purpose: to encourage reading – because reading is great,” said Raphael. “We recognize both the academic and personal benefits of reading in people’s lives, and we simply want to spread this message and support Tulsanians of all ages to find reading materials that enrich their lives.

“We hope everyone comes to the library and finds something they like.”

The Littles Summer Reading Program, which spans ages from birth through preschool, and the Children’s Summer Reading Program, for preschool through fifth grade, are themed “Oceans of Possibilities.” Both have reading goals which, if met, can lead to redeemable prizes like a medal, coupon book, or plushie.

Medal winners from the Summer Children’s Reading Program will be entered into raffles for several major prizes including the Tulsa Drillers Birthday Party Experience in Hornsby, the Sea Turtle Experience at the Oklahoma Aquarium for six and the Safari Joes H20 Birthday Party Package for 12.

The Teen and Tween Summer Reading Program includes a goal of reading or listening to six books in two months to earn a drawstring backpack, vouchers for free local food and entertainment, and entry into a raffle for prizes such as laptops and game consoles.

The summer reading program for adults 16 and older includes a goal of reading or listening to four books to earn a literary-themed tote bag and coupons for Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa State Fair, and menu items from Whataburger, Mazzio’s, and Merritt’s Bakery.

Despite the era of e-books and online resources, Raphael said she’s noticed a desire for printed books and materials from children and young people in recent years. She said that while they check out e-books and audiobooks, they prefer printed copies.

“We are working really hard to have a lot of digital materials available and many people use our different services and apps to listen to books on their phones or read e-books on their devices, but I was amazed to hear several customers, many of the children among them say that paper books are their favorites because they allow them to detach themselves from our increasingly electronic world and slow down to experience stories at a less frantic pace,” said Raphael.

To participate in the summer reading program, download the stack of beans app, search for Tulsa City-County Library and follow the prompts to create an account, or go to internet portal at tulsalibrary.beanstack.org.