The Library's Summer Reading Program is open to everyone, Children's Librarian Ellen Farwell said. This year, patrons don't even have to be in town to participate.
For the first time, the Summer Reading Program is online, Farwell said. When a member goes on vacation, they can still log in and record their reading or activities. They can register any time online at bvpl.beanstack.org. Paper sign-ups and logs are also available, although Farwell said very few people have requested them.
The age groups begin with "Read To Me," for babies and toddlers and continue through school age and adults. There are about 50 adults registered this year, she said.
Each age group gets its own events, although everyone is welcome at any event. For the preschoolers and elementary-school-age groups, events are at 2 p.m. Thursdays. On June 22 the very popular science show is returning. (See B1 for photo and story from last week's juggling event).
Teens and tweens meet at 5:30 p.m. Friday nights. This week, Farwell expects a big crowd for "Cup Cake Wars."
Adult events are at 6 p.m. Mondays. On June 26, the history of Bella Vista is the topic.
There's also a list of activities to keep each age group busy. They include visiting local landmarks, including the Veterans Wall of Honor and Tanyard Creek.
Participants keep track of reading, events and activities on their personal account online, earning virtual badges for their online accomplishments. When they attend an event or perform an activity, they have to search for the secret code and input it on their page to get credit.
There's a prize drawing each week for each age group, Farwell said. Often the prize is a coupon from a local restaurant. Everyone who logs on with some reading is eligible for the weekly prizes, she said.
At the end of the summer, there's a grand-prize drawing. To be eligible for the Grand Prize participants must meet their age group's goals. For example, tweens need to read 800 pages, complete three activities, attend three events and write one book review. For teens it's 1,000 pages, three activities, three events and two book reviews.
The grand prizes include passes to Silver Dollar City, Fast Lanes and Highrise Trampoline Park.
Adults can win tickets to the Naturals or to the NWA Symphonic Orchestra.
There are also some 3D goggles and a Blue Tooth personal speaker for the teens and tweens.
The program is still open for new sign-ups, Farwell said. She expects it to be the biggest Summer Reading Program so far for the Bella Vista Library.
General News on 06/21/2017