‘Unearth a Story’ With Centre County Library’s Summer Program

Centre County Library & Historical Museum is getting ready to launch its annual Summer Library Pursuit, an engaging summer reading and activity program that runs from June 15 through Aug. 1.

This year’s theme, “Unearth A Story,” encourages individuals and families of all ages and abilities to explore the natural world, history and their own curiosity.

While summer reading programs have traditionally been geared toward preventing the “summer slide” in school-aged children, Centre County Library & Historical Museum believes summer is a season for lifelong learning—for everyone. That’s why the Summer Library Pursuit is designed to engage the entire community through reading, events, goal setting and learning activities.

“Summer is the perfect time to connect with the library in fun and unexpected ways,” said Beth Schwartz, past Communications Manager of the Centre County Library & Historical Museum. “This year, we’re encouraging library patrons and visitors to engage with the library while focusing on art and community.

“People’s shared experiences of the stories and art the library contains help to broaden and ‘color’ our world.”

Participants can take part in the program at three Centre County locations: the Centre County Library in Bellefonte, Centre Hall Area Branch Library and Holt Memorial Library in Philipsburg. Upon registration, each participant will receive a custom “artist journal”—a tool to document reading progress, track activities completed and stay engaged with weekly programming.

Each week, the libraries will host programming and activities related to discovery, inspired by different historical and ecological themes ranging from archeology to cryptids. The program includes:

• Customized “Field Journals” for reading and activity goal tracking
• Themed storytimes
• Free take-and-make craft kits
• Unique community events such as reptile meet-and-greets, fossil excavation, watercolor geode painting, cryptid crafts, ice cream socials and more.
• The chance to win a variety of different prizes

Participation earns raffle tickets that can be entered for the chance to win prizes each week and a grand prize at the end of the summer.

Prizes include everything from movie theater tickets to tablets and YMCA memberships. But the real reward is the merriment, personal growth and friendships cultivated throughout the program.

Visit the Centre County Library & Historical Museum website at centrecountylibrary.org to learn more and register for the Summer Library Pursuit. Participants can also stop in at a Centre County Library location to sign up in person.