Lewes library pivots to provide virtual summer reading program
When school is out for the summer, libraries traditionally provide learning opportunities to patrons via a summer reading program.
Lewes Public Library has always had a traditional summer reading program, which includes opportunities to track reading, a performance series, and educational and entertainment programs for kids of all ages. But being closed during the COVID-19 crisis required the library to pivot and provide its summer reading program virtually, in the form of #LPLvirtualsummer.
“We were unsure of when we’d be able to reopen to the public, and we knew it was unlikely we’d be able to have youth in the library for programs, so we decided early on to make our offerings virtual,” said Jennifer Noonan, Lewes Public Library children’s librarian. “You can still track your reading, attend performances and programs, and participate in activities. We’re still here and doing what we always do. It’s just in a different format.”
Patrons who like to track their reading for the summer have two options with Lewes library’s program: tracking online through the Sussex County Libraries joint Beanstack tracker, or by downloading a paper log from the Lewes library website, www.lewes.lib.de.us.
Kids from newborn to age 8 have a daily log, and tweens and teens use bingo boards designed to help connect them with the library’s many virtual opportunities this summer.
“We are running virtual contests with great prizes that include gift cards to local businesses like Dairy Queen and Kids’ Ketch,” said Noonan. “These are businesses that have always supported the library, and that we were able to support in return this year by purchasing gift cards while they were closed during the pandemic.”
Patrons can connect to programs and performances throughout the county and state via the library’s virtual performance hub. There are opportunities to see magicians, scientists, singers, ASL sign interpreters, animal handlers and more.
Lewes library is also holding virtual programs with the Great STEMporium for younger kids and teens each month. Patrons who register pick up a STEM kit prior to the program, and then join an instructor and other participants on Zoom. Grab-and-go crafts and activities are taking the place of in-person craft programs this summer. Each week, there is a new craft or activity available for kids from newborn up to age 12. Patrons can call the library to make a curbside appointment to pick them up.
For those interested in a more serious art experience, the art camp traditionally held each year has also gone virtual. Both kids and teens can learn mandala and zentangle printmaking techniques through this four-day virtual camp, for which all supplies will be provided ahead of time. Weekly teen meetups will take place every Monday via Zoom to keep Lewes library teens connected all summer long.
“It was disheartening knowing we wouldn’t be able to gather this summer,” said Emily Ellinger, teen services coordinator. “So I wanted to meet regularly on Zoom to help our teens stay engaged. That’s something they need now more than ever, given the environment.”
Each week is a different program, challenge, or contest, and there are weekly prize giveaways. Upon completing the summer reading requirements, teens will receive chances to win raffle tickets by doing further reading, submitting book reviews and participating in virtual programs. Each raffle ticket can be entered into one of the three grand prize drawings of the teen’s choice.
Raffle prizes include gift cards to Movies at Midway, Great STEMporium, and Midway Speedway and Waterpark as well as new electronics, art supplies, gaming equipment and more.
All information for the teen summer reading program, registration and prizes can be found on the Lewes library website in the teen section.
For more information about LPL Virtual Summer, go to www.tinyurl.com/lplvirtualsummer or contact Jennifer Noonan or Emily Ellinger by calling 302-645-2733.
