Dream Big This Summer With Baldwin Reading Programs

The end of the school year may be here, but is looking to keep kids — and grown-ups — reading long into the summer.

Friday, the library will celebrate the kick-off of its summer reading program from 1-5 p.m. Kids will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the library with games, crafts, snacks and prizes, all while their parents pick up information about Baldwin's summer programs and events.

Patch took a look at the various summer reading programs for youth, teens and adults. From winning a free eReader to a Parent Lotto, here's what you have to look forward to:

Youth programs

Titled Dream Big — Read!, Baldwin's youth reading program provides kids the chance to win various prizes throughout the summer as well as receive up to two books.

As part of the program, Baldwin will be sponsoring a Dreams Can Come True series, in which various Birmingham professionals will speak about their jobs and how they got them. Guest speakers include:

• A builder from Home Depot (2 p.m. June 20)
• A dancer from (2 p.m. June 21)
• A firefighter from the (2 p.m. June 28)
• A policeman from the (2 p.m. July 24)
• A veterinarian from (2 p.m. July 31)

Other special events a visit from a Native American storyteller, a Vampire 101 class, Joel's Pajama Jam Comedy Show and the Baldwin Olympics.

Baldwin will also be offering a Parent Lotto for all parents — a special thank-you for letting their kids participate in the library's summer reading program. One winner will receive a restaurant gift card at the end of the summer.

For more events in the youth summer reading program, more information and ways to register, visit www.baldwinlib.org/youth-summer-reading.

Teen programs

This year's teen reading program is titled Own the Night, giving area teens a chance to show off their stuff.

Events include a Creature Film Festival on June 21, GameFest on June 28 as well as a Night Photography Contest. Photos must represent some form of nightliight and be submitted to teenlibrary@baldwinlib.org by Aug. 1. The summer will be capped off by an ice cream party from Treat Dreams on Aug. 9.

Also part of the teen reading program, participants will have several chances to win prizes of their own, including a movie ticket package, gift cards to the Book Beat bookstore as well as various othe retailers.

Those teens looking to get a headstart on their summer reading can visit the Adult Reference Desk for reading lists from various local schools. Then, when they're reading to read for fun, Baldwin has a variety of teen reading lists to satisfy everyone's tastes.

For more events in the teen reading program, more information and ways to register, visit www.baldwinlib.org/teen-summer-reading.

Adult programs

Summer reading isn't just for kids. This summer, explore "novel destinations" with this year's adult summer reading program as Baldwin librarians have created dozens of book and movie lists. Read and watch as much as you like, and be entered to win a dozen prizes, including an eReader for the summer's top adult reader.

Baldwin has plenty of events lined up for grown-ups this summer as well, from the Writers Live author series, the Friends Don't Let Friends Read Alone book club and a cooking demonstration from Rita Salem-Pappadakis, author of Ma Baseema.

For more events in the adult summer reading program, more information and ways to register, visit www.baldwinlib.org/adult-summer-reading.