NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Public Library’s much-loved SUMMER FUN program has kicked off, featuring dozens of events and activities, reading challenges, and the chance to win great prizes.
The Library’s SUMMER FUN program is hosted every year to combat the “summer slide,” or the tendency for students to lose some of the educational gains they made during the previous school year. Libraries across the country host summer reading programs in an effort to fill those gaps, as well as to encourage reading as a lifelong habit and to increase interest in libraries.
“SUMMER FUN is a great way for the Library to inspire children and teens to keep reading, even when school is not in session,” Executive Director and City Librarian Gabriel Morley said. “However, that does not mean SUMMER FUN is just for kids; we’ve got something for everyone, including adults of all ages.”
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, most SUMMER FUN programming will be conducted virtually, with the exception of a few in-person, outdoor events. Programs include everything ranging from virtual visits to the zoo and drag queen storytimes to online gaming sessions and manga book clubs, mushroom growing workshops and tai chi classes, and so much more.
SUMMER FUN participants are encouraged to start tracking their reading as soon as possible for the chance to win prizes including creativity baskets, Beats Audio headphones, and gift cards to local businesses.
Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to register and download your free BINGO card and reading tracker to get started, and check out a complete listing of SUMMER FUN programs at nolalibrary.org/events.
The 2021 New Orleans Public Library SUMMER FUN reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library with support from the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, and the Entergy Charitable Foundation.