By Kelly Weber
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” is the theme for this year’s Lexington County Public Library’s summer reading program. The kickoff party at the Chapin Branch Library on June 3 was a huge success! Upon registering, participants of all ages received a paper tracking card as well as information on how to use the Beanstack app (lexcolibrary.beanstack.org) to record their progress. Everyone received a bag of goodies (including a coupon from Pelican’s Snoballs) and was invited to choose a new, free book to take home. The program runs from June 1 – August 10, and you can begin earning prizes for reaching literacy and quest goals starting June 15.
Activities such as face painting, balloon animals and a surprise dinosaur visit delighted children. Several community organizations provided support for the program. Fatima Tillman, from the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Columbia, handed out certificates for a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree, bookmarks, crayons and coloring sheets.
Susan Shealy, President of the Friends of the Chapin Branch Library, discussed the details of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Amy H. Reeves of Mission Lexington showed children the importance of painting Kindness rocks which they took with them to place in areas throughout the community.
Lisa Brown, the Community Development Manager of the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands, promoted positivity with some giveaways and local troop information.
Chil-fil-A’s mascot entertained the crowd as kids spun a wheel that allowed them to win free prizes.
Outside of the library, the Chapin police department and Lexington County Fire Service greeted residents as well.
“Adventure Begins At Your Library” promotes the delight and importance of reading in our community. Further details can be found at lexcolibrary.com/summerreading
