News Summary
Local leaders from Irmo, Lexington, and Chapin announced a summer reading initiative aimed at enhancing children’s literacy and community engagement. The program features story time events at various parks, scheduled every Tuesday morning. With a kickoff party on June 7, local libraries are also hosting summer activities promoting reading. The initiative aims to increase participation from last year’s 8,500 readers to 9,500. Families can enjoy various free and low-cost activities throughout the summer, fostering a love of reading in children.
Irmo – Local leaders, including Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson, along with the mayors of Lexington and Chapin, have announced a summer reading initiative designed to boost literacy and foster community engagement among children. The initiative features a series of story time events taking place on Tuesday mornings at various park locations throughout the area, encouraging children to develop a love for reading during the summer months.
Events will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the following locations and dates:
- June 10: Moore Park, Irmo
- June 17: Virginia Hylton Park, Lexington
- June 24: Chapin Town Hall Park, Chapin
- July 8: Moore Park, Irmo
- July 15: Virginia Hylton Park, Lexington
- July 22: Chapin Town Hall Park, Chapin
- August 12: Moore Park, Irmo
- August 19: Virginia Hylton Park, Lexington
- August 26: Chapin Town Hall Park, Chapin
Mayor Danielson plans to be stationed at the Prisma Health Amphitheater within Moore Park, located at 7473 Church St., Irmo, as part of these events.
In conjunction with the summer reading initiative, the Lexington County Library System is hosting a variety of summer programs aimed at children. Last year, the library saw participation from 8,500 readers and is working toward a goal of 9,500 this year. The library has made improvements to its facilities, including pouring new concrete at certain branches to create spaces for outdoor activities. Additionally, garden programs are being offered in Pelion, South Congaree, Lexington, and soon in Gaston.
A kickoff party for the summer activities is scheduled for June 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater. This event marks the beginning of summer opportunities that include a program aptly titled “Oceans of Possibilities,” where children can earn prizes as they engage in reading activities.
In addition to the Lexington County Library’s initiatives, Richland County Libraries are also promoting a Summer Learning Challenge that provides incentives for children to read and participate in various programs. Activities are plentiful this summer, with local pools and splash pads now open, along with numerous summer camps and outdoor programs running at local parks.
For recreational options, Columbia Fireflies baseball games have an array of scheduled events throughout the summer, with ticket prices kept affordable to encourage family attendance. Furthermore, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission offers several summer camps across different parks, ensuring that there are ample opportunities for educational and recreational activities.
As summer kicks off, families in the Midlands area have access to a variety of free and low-cost family-friendly activities. This collaborative effort among local leaders, libraries, and community centers aims not only to enhance literacy rates among children but also to create a vibrant and engaging summer filled with reading and exploration.
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Additional Resources
- SW Lex Ledger: Irmo, Chapin, and Lexington Mayors Join to Read
- Wikipedia: Summer Reading
- WLTX: Lexington County Library Free Programs for Kids
- Google Search: Lexington County Library Programs
- Lexington Chronicle: Avoiding Summer Slide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- ColaDaily: 11 Free & Affordable Summer Activities
- Google News: Summer Activities Columbia SC
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