VIRL launches online Summer Reading Clubs for every age
June 30, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Get ready for a summer filled with great books, fun activities, and free online events. The Vancouver Island Regional Library is launching our annual summer reading clubs for kids, teens and adults this year – online!
“While the effects of COVID-19 still impact our service delivery, being able to offer this free programming virtually means we can continue to engage and interact with our communities, and at the same time promote literacy and help build reading skills,” says Melissa Legacy, Director, Library Services and Programming. “We have some spectacular online events lined up nearly every week this summer, sure to entertain all ages.”
Summer Reading Club (SRC)
The Summer Reading Club (SRC) is a province-wide initiative sponsored by the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) and local public libraries, with support from the Libraries Branch, Ministry of Education, and CUPE BC. The program encourages children to connect with the library to help build and maintain their reading skills during the summer months.
This year’s SRC theme, Explore Our Universe, invites kids aged 0 – 12 to launch their imaginations into orbit as they read all summer long.
Registration opened online on June 29 and runs until Saturday, August 15, with The Kerplunks performing a special kick-off live online on July 2 at 2 p.m.
Additional events include a Mario Kart 8 Tournament, a Q&A with astronomer Rachel Wang, an interview with Dr. Jay Cullen of the University of Victoria, and much more!
Parents can register their families by visiting https://bcsrc.ca/ and find our complete event schedule at virl.bc.ca/summer-reading-club or on our VIRL SRC Facebook group.
Teen Summer Challenge (TSC)
TSC is back! Where teens aged 12 – 18 complete out-of-this-world tasks and have a chance to win a prize! TSC encourages teens to critically think through a series of tasks while learning new skills, reading, and experimenting.
The complete task list and instructions will soon be available at virl.bc.ca/tsc. The challenge runs until Monday, August 31.
Adult Summer Reading Challenge (ASRC)
Once again, we’re offering adults of all ages a chance to take part in a few fun challenges and enter for a chance to win a prize as they read their way through summer.
During the program, each participant will access the reading challenges at virl.bc.ca/adult-summer-reading-challenge/ After the participants complete a challenge, they can contact info@virl.bc.ca or call 1-877-415-8475 to alert staff of their completion.
Each completed challenge will enter the participant in a draw for a chance to win a prize at the end of the program.
There is no official registration required. For customers who do not have access to a computer or Internet, they can call 1-877-415-VIRL (8475) to request the challenge be mailed to their home.
ASRC runs from June 29 to August 15.
Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248
Cell: 250.327.3651
Email: dcarson@virl.bc.ca