Community News

This summer, Chelsea District Library (CDL) invites you to come along on an adventure with library books and other resources, events, and activities, and of course, the Summer Reading Program. Starting June 7, CDL will offer reading challenges for all ages. Participants earn prizes and tickets to enter grand prize drawings by reading (or listening) to books, attending library events, and completing activity badges. This year, if 600 or more people complete the Summer Reading Program, CDL Director Lori Coryell has promised to kiss a pig at the Chelsea Community Fair. Sign up at chelseadistrictlibrary.org/srp and then read or listen to 6 books (adults) or read or listen to books for 20 hours (kids and teens) by July 24 to complete your reading challenge. 

Coryell is ready to play her part, but only if enough readers in the community can rise to the challenge: “Babe. Wilbur. Miss Piggy. Peppa. Porky. Piglet. Sure, I like pigs. But do I like them enough to kiss one? If you make your summer reading goal, we will find out!” 

The Summer Reading Kickoff is Friday, June 7, from 12–2 pm. Crafts, a bounce house, an obstacle course, and more fun will fill the library lawn, along with special guests from ATA Martial Arts, Ballet Chelsea, and the Eddy Discovery Center. Children who complete six activities will earn a tasty frozen custard treat courtesy of Culver’s of Chelsea. The Kickoff is also a great time to register for the reading program by stopping by the registration tent at Katie’s Korner on the Library Lawn. Readers can also participate entirely or partially online with the Beanstack app. To learn more and register in advance, visit chelseadistrictlibrary.org/srp. 

Students who read at least 20 hours will earn a free book, plus smaller prizes along the way, and entries into the Grand Prize Drawings. This year’s Grand Prizes for kids include a gift certificate to Sea Life Michigan Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a Nature Art Pack, a horseback riding experience, a gift certificate to Rolling Hills Water Park, an Outdoor Exploration Pack, and more. Teens also have a chance to win passes to a Planet Rock Prize Pack, a $100 Target gift card, and a host of other fun prizes like an International Snack Pack or a D&D Prize Pack. 

Don’t forget, adults love summer reading, too! Adult readers can register to participate using the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper log beginning June 7 at the library. Read 6 books to earn a free book to keep, and earn smaller prizes and grand prize tickets for reading 2–4 books as well. Prizes include gift cards to local restaurants and shops such as the Common Grill or Smokehouse 52. 

All this summer fun is made possible thanks to our sponsors: The Friends of the Chelsea District Library, Culver’s of Chelsea, and Kiwanis Club of Chelsea. CDL also thanks Kitty Face, Collected Treasures Farm, and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center for their prize donations.