By Patience Johnson

Special to The Vicksburg Post

The Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library is hosting a Summer Library Program, a six-week independent children’s reading event, with online registration beginning June 5.

Each year the Mississippi Library Commission offers this program to public libraries in Mississippi to promote reading during the summer.

Marie Cunningham, retired teacher and librarian of youth services and children, said the program is nationwide.

“Summer library programs are open to everyone in the community, from preschool to 12th grade,” Cunningham said. “Participants have access to the library, with reading materials and activities designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals.”

As an independent program, children set a goal to read any number of books over a six-week period, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Any book is eligible for the program, including manga and graphic novels.

The program’s theme this year is “Build a Better World,” and the Vicksburg Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the weekly events, such as the marshmallow construction challenge, the engineering mystery bag challenge and movie night.

The theme centers around creating and exploring the joy reading can bring a child, without the added pressure of required reading. Presentations, story times and crafts that celebrate the joy of reading are scheduled throughout the six-week period.

“We have a lot planned,” Cunningham said. “The purpose is to keep children involved in reading for fun over the summer months. It promotes a love for reading that most children struggle to find.”

Since becoming the library’s director, Katrina Stokes has added an online component to the summer program.

Through this new accessibility, children can register and participate online. The link goes live June 5 and can be found on the library’s website.

The kick-off party is June 5 at 10 a.m., and the last day to register is June 23.

Cunningham said several daycares have signed up for the program already.

The last day to report on books read is July 14, and the program’s ending celebration will be held July 20. Those who have completed their goal may attend the ceremony.