Summer of Superheroes Kicks off May 22

Registration for a summer of super reading fun is set to begin on Friday, May 22 at the Forsyth County Public Library. The following week, each branch will host its own Super Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival featuring Cameron’s One Man Circus, face painting, balloon art, and carnival games. The FCPL Friends & Advocates have also donated AMC movie gift cards to be raffled off at each carnival event.

Cameron’s One Man Circus performed
at the 2014 Kick-Off Carnival
at the Sharon Forks Library

The first Carnival will be held at the Cumming Library on Tuesday, May 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Hampton Park Library will host its Carnival on Thursday, May 28 and the Post Road Library will host its Carnival on Friday, May 29. Due to very large crowds, the Sharon Forks Library will be hosting its Carnival on Wednesday, May 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

“This year’s Summer Reading Fun program is focused on heroes – both the superheroes we see in comics and fiction and the everyday heroes we meet in our community,” says Laura Bradley, Program Manager.

Library patrons may register for the summer reading program between May 22 and July 31 online at www.forsythpl.org, at the Kick-off Carnivals, or at any library branch. A record-breaking 5,600 patrons participated in last year’s summer reading program and more participants are expected to register this year.

Patrons who participate in Summer Reading Fun will be rewarded with an automatic entry in raffles at each branch. The youngest participants, up to preschool-age, will be entered to win a superhero kit with a cape. Readers in grades K through 5 will be entered in a drawing for a $25 Lego gift card. Teens in grades 6 through 12 have a chance to win an iPad Mini and adults have a shot at taking home a Kindle Fire HDX at the end of the summer. Winners will be drawn and notified at the conclusion of Summer Reading Fun in early August.  In addition, participating adults are eligible for weekly raffles at each of the branches all summer long.  All children and teens who set and meet a summer reading goal will receive a free paperback book donated by the FCPL Friends & Advocates.

But more important than prizes is the vital support the program offers to help students maintain and even improve their reading, writing, and vocabulary skills over the summer break, says Bradley. The library’s Youth Services staff have been visiting local schools and community groups to share the excitement about becoming a super reader this summer.

“This year’s set of comic book-style themes is expected to draw in even the most reluctant readers. Children will learn that ‘Every Hero Has a Story.’ Teens will ‘Unmask!’ and adults will ‘Escape the Ordinary.’ We’ve planned nearly 500 events and storytimes to capture our patrons’ imaginations and encourage them to check out books to read at home,” says Bradley.

The number of programs represent a 64% increase over the already record-breaking summer of 2014. Events this summer will feature comic book artists, authors, magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, live animals, comedians, musicians, artists, movies, workshops, trivia contests, and more.

Library staff will also present a series of superhero-themed storytimes. Super Sidekicks (2-5 years), Caped Crusaders (4-7 years), and Superhero STEAM Camp (3rd-5th grade) programs will be offered at each branch, along with the library’s popular Books & Babies storytime for children under 24 months old.

For a complete listing of events for children, teens, and adults, please pick up a Summer Reading Fun Program Guide at your local branch or visit the library’s online calendar at www.forsythpl.org.