(Metro Creative Services)

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is happy to announce the start of the 2023 Summer Reading program!

Pre-registration starts on Monday, May 15, and children (1st grade through 5th grade) who pre-register for the Children’s Reading Program between Monday, May 15, and Thursday, May 25, will be entered into a drawing to win an awesome Beanstack badge book. (One Badge Book per child winner.)

This year’s theme is “All Together Now” and is sure to bring an abundance of fun and togetherness.

There are four reading programs for various age groups:

• The Early Literacy Program is open to babies through students going into Kindergarten.  Children must have 10 books read to them to complete the program.
• The Children’s Reading Program is open to student going into grades 1-5. Children must read 6 books or have 6 books read to them to complete the program.
• The Teen Reading Program is open to students going into grades 6-12.  Teens must read 3 books to complete the program.
• The Adult Reading Program is open to individuals aged 18 and up.  Adults must read 3 books to complete the program.

While pre-registration starts on May 15, participants can start logging their books on Friday, May 26, when SRP officially kicks-off.  To complete the 2023 Louisiana Summer Reading Program, all programs must have their books recorded online or at their library by end of the day on July 14.

Individuals who complete their goals will receive an award certificate and other great prizes! In addition, the participant’s name will be entered into the system prize drawing.

When participating in the Summer Reading Program, you can keep track of your progress two ways: You can stop by your local library branch and pick up a book log where you can write down what you have read OR you can log your books online using the Beanstack APP!  Simply search for Beanstack in the app store on your device.  t’s free!

In addition to the reading programs, individual library branches will be hosting Summer Reading Program kick-off parties! Branches holding celebrations are:

• Friday, May 26: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Westlake Library, 937 Mulberry St., (337) 721-7113
• Friday, May 26: 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – DeQuincy Library, 102 N. Pine St., (337) 721-7087
• Friday, May 26: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.- Hayes Library, 7709 Perier St., (337) 721-7098
• Saturday, May 27: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sulphur Regional Library – 1160 Cypress St., (337)721-7138
• Tuesday, May 30: 10 a.m. – noon – Moss Bluff Library, 261 Parish Rd., (337) 721-7128
• Wednesday, May 31: 10 a.m. – noon – Iowa Library, 517A North Thomson Ave., (337) 721-7101
• Wednesday, May 31: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Central Library, 301 W. Claude St., (337) 721-7117

Several special guest programs are lined up for the whole family to enjoy all summer long!

Stories on Four Strings!, a ukelele performance by Alli Villines & Charissa Hoffman will kick off the special guest performances.

In partnership with McNeese Banners, Alli Villines and Charissa Hoffman push the limits of what is generally expected from the four-stringed ukulele, incorporating threads from their stories and experiences into a tapestry of sound.

Their performances will take place on Saturday, May 27 from 10:00am – 11:00am at the Sulphur Regional Library and again from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at Central Library.

Both women trace the roots of their relationship with the ukulele, traditionally a Hawaiian instrument, through their connections to their families, their southern home states and communities, themselves, and eventually each other.

The programs, performances, and other Summer Reading Program events are all free and open to the public.  A library card is not needed in order to attend or participate.

The Summer Reading Program prizes are furnished by the Friends of the Library, Calcasieu.

For more information on the 2023 Summer Reading Program, contact your local library branch or visit www.calcasieulibrary.org.