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Summer Reading Starts June 1st – Something for Everyone!

Media release for Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) Summer Reading program
Media release

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 01, 2018

Sponsored by: Cooperative Library Services Department
Pre-Reader, Youth & Teen Theme: Libraries Rock!
Adult Theme: WCCLS Reads

Washington County, Oregon: The long days of summer are just around the corner. Librarians across Washington County have been hard at work preparing for the 2018 Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) Summer Reading program, and it all starts on Friday, June 1. We invite you to stop by your library and experience a summer of FUN!

From June through August the public libraries in Washington County will offer summer reading programs designed for pre-readers, youth, teens and adults. According to WCCLS Youth Services Librarian, Bryce Kozla, "kids who read for fun in the summer do better when they return to school in the fall. And it is not just in reading. Kids who read over summer can keep their skills strong in all subject areas."

That is why when it comes to summer reading, we often think of children first. But with WCCLS - summer reading is wrapped up in a whole lot of fun – for Readers of All Ages!

Something for Everyone This Summer

Libraries Rock – with Three Countywide Performers!
This summer our libraries in Washington County will offer hundreds of fun, free activities to entertain and educate kids age 18 and younger! In addition, WCCLS brings three performers to each of our 16 member libraries designed to engage and entertain elementary and pre-reader age kids. Dates and times are listed on our website (www.wccls.org/srp):

  • Jenks: This energetic performer creates super rad rock music for kids! You'll dance with an awesome dinosaur, laugh at goofy original songs, and watch Jenks juggle all sorts of things. Bring the whole family!
  • 123 Andrés: Join Latin Grammy winner 123 Andrés for high energy songs in Spanish and English! Find out why Billboard Magazine calls 123 Andrés "a rockstar for little language learners." Andrés gets families moving and singing!
  • Aaron Nigel Smith: It's music and movement time with award winning children's music performer Aaron Nigel Smith! Come sing, dance and play to his original reggae, folk and funky songs.

Libraries Rock – With Game Truck!
Washington County libraries offer cool programs for teens this year with Game Truck! Loaded with a massive library of video games, a climate controlled game theater is pulling up to your local WCCLS library this summer! Live action more your speed? Join Game Truck for a round of laser tag. Enjoy life-sized Jenga and other games while you wait your turn at each event! Check with your local library as to which program they are offering. Dates and times are listed on our website (www.wccls.org/tsrp).

WCCLS Reads!

Summer reading isn't just for kids. And WCCLS libraries make the summer fun for adults with great events, fun prizes for book lovers, and perfect book suggestions in your inbox. Share your favorite reads, connect to your community, and make new friends through WCCLS Reads: Summer Reading for Adults 2018.

Sign up online at www.wccls.org/asrp or at your library through July 31. Be sure to get our weekly WCCLS Reads email newsletters with reading recommendations and event information through the end of August.

Too busy for emails? Use #wcclsreads on social media to share your favorite summer reading pictures, books and more.

And don't forget to check with your local WCCLS library for more prizes, events, and personalized recommendations, too. WCCLS libraries are hosting a slew of events for adults – for details check out the fun at www.wccls.org/calendar.

Countywide Prizes for Kids

For youth and teen participants, up to age 18, we have great reading rewards from community partners who share our passion for literacy – the Portland Trail Blazers, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation – Swim Centers, Portland Thorns/Timbers T2, Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center, Oaks Amusement Park and the Oregon State Fair.

In addition to the prize sponsors listed above, we wish to thank several community partners who contribute to the WCCLS Summer Reading program, including PDX Parent, Comcast and Pamplin Media Group.

We look forward to seeing readers of all ages this summer in the library and online!

The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS), includes the: Aloha Community Library, Banks Public Library, Beaverton City Library, Beaverton City Library @ Murray Scholls, Cedar Mill Community Library, Cedar Mill Community Library @ Bethany, Cornelius Public Library, Forest Grove City Library, Garden Home Community Library, Hillsboro Public Libraries (Main and Shute Park), North Plains Public Library, Sherwood Public Library, Tigard Public Library, Tualatin Public Library, and West Slope Community Library.

NOTE – Graphics and performer images available: The summer reading theme graphics and images of our performers are available for your use – please email [email protected] to request the graphics.

Media Contact:

Jodi Nielsen, Program Coordinator
503-846-3235

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