This summer, the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) offers an exciting new array of fun, free events in conjunction with its annual Summer Reading Clubs for kids, teens and adults.

Sign up at any PLCMC library (all locations except Checkit Outlet and Main Library) beginning June 11, 2009, and get started in a summer of reading enjoyment. Teens and adults must sign up online, but they can use the free public computers at the library to do so.

There are clubs for all ages.

· Wee Read -- for parents of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers under age 4.

· “Be Creative @ Your Library” -- For kids age 4 to rising 5th graders.

· “Express Yourself @ Your Library” – for teens.

· “Relax and Read” – an online club for adults.


Each summer reading club challenges participants to read all summer long for fun, relaxation and chances for fun prizes. But the real prize is reading itself. Research shows that students who read at least 20 minutes a day during the summer are more likely to read on grade level or above grade level when starting back to school in the fall. And parents reading to babies and toddlers is important, too. Research tells us that when you read to your child you naturally touch on important pre-reading “building blocks” that begin to develop at birth and must be mastered in order for your little “story lover” to graduate to “reader” status.

Libraries are hoping to get books into the hands of as many children as possible this summer. In fact, children can choose to select “Book Bucks” instead of a prize when they reach key reading goals. Book Bucks will be used to purchase additional books for centers in need in the community -- it’s a great way to introduce kids to giving back to the community and share the joys of reading with those in need.


This summer, the library will also again offer participating kids and teens a golden opportunity to remove or reduce up to $20 in fines and fees from their library cards. Complete details are available at sign-up.

Summer reading clubs officially end August 6. For details, visit www.plcmc.org/summerread.


Special Events for Summer Reading
To enhance the summer reading experience, the library has planned these exciting events in addition to the fun activities happening all summer long in branches.

Tricycle Music Fest is back, featuring “Father Goose”

On June 9 and 10, four library branches will be hosting kids’ concerts with “Father Goose”. Based on a journey of his musical life, the concerts will feature music, games and stories from his childhood, combined with homemade and some familiar Caribbean music that creates the perfect blend for a dance party. Concerts are 1 hour long, free and open to the public.

· Tuesday, June 9 at 10:15 a.m. at West Boulevard Branch Library

· Tuesday, June 9 at 4 p.m. at Belmont Center Branch Library

· Wednesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. at South County Regional Library

· Wednesday, June 10 at 3 p.m. at Independence Regional Library



July 8 at 7 p.m. meet author Dorthea Benton Frank

This special author event will be the highlight of adult summer reading. Frank is the author of many books including Sullivan’s Island, The Land of Mango Sunsets, and her latest, Return to Sullivan’s Island. The ticket price of $25 includes a copy of Return to Sullivan’s Island, Frank’s presentation and a chance to win an overnight stay in Historic Charleston. More information and tickets are available at www.plcmc.org/novello or call the box office at 704-973-2828 (the library’s partnering agency Children’s Theatre of Charlotte).


For other exciting events happening this summer at your public library, visit www.plcmc.org.