lcl science busScience bus at 2016 Summer Reading kickoff event

The Lansing Community Library is gearing up to host its 9th annual Summer Reading Program. The 2017 Summer Reading theme will be 'Build a Better World.' Kathryn Miller, a library patron and former teen worker, is this year's Summer Reading event coordinator.

Miller said planning is well underway and, "I am so excited about our theme because I believe that libraries help to build better communities, and better communities are the building blocks to a better world."

The Summer Reading Program includes at least 3 different community events that are free and open to the public. The specifics of this upcoming summer's events are still in the planning stages, but in past years, these events have included a community sing-a-long, live story tellers, theater productions, a magic show, and even a community summer exercise program.

lcl storytellers4Summer Reading 2016 Beauty and the Beast Storytellers

The program also offers fun incentives to encourage children and adults alike to keep reading and learning even when the routines and requirements of the school year have ended.

The Lansing Library's Summer Reading Program has grown each year. In 2009, 178 residents participated. Last year the number of participants was 462.

According to library manager Susie Gutenberger, "The growth of the Summer Reading Program reflects how our community values reading, learning and coming together to enjoy a good story or other enrichment opportunities."

For the past several years, the library has hosted a logo contest for students inspired by the theme of the Summer Reading Program. This year, the library's marketing committee has over 60 entries illustrating the 'Build a Better World' concept to choose from.

One of these designs will be selected to be put on free gifts (possibly t-shirts) that will be given to Summer Reading participants. This logo will also be featured on posters, the LCL website and newsletters throughout the entire year.

lcl votingOn Library vote day April 25, children have something to vote on too. Last year they voted to name the dinosaur Eleanor.

The winning logo will be announced at the Library's annual meeting on Monday, April 24th at 7:00. This meeting will also highlight other happenings at the library, introduce prospective trustee candidates and present the proposed budget for 2018. The annual budget and trustee vote will take place on Tuesday, April 25th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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