Local Libraries Invite Readers to Dig Into Summer Reading

Summer reading is back, and local libraries are giving readers plenty of ways to dig in.

Libraries in Chelsea, Dexter, Milan and Saline are offering programs for children, teens and adults, with reading challenges, prizes and events built around this year’s “Unearth a Story” theme. The programs make room for every kind of reader, including children listening to stories, teens tracking their own goals and adults looking for a reason to pick up the next good book.

At Chelsea District Library, summer reading runs June 5 through July 22, with challenges for all ages, from babies and toddlers to adults. This year’s theme brings paleontology, archaeology and geology-inspired activities to the library throughout the summer.

Chelsea’s schedule includes a Summer Reading Program Kickoff from noon to 2 p.m. June 5 on the library lawn, with dinosaur activities, a bounce house, reading to a therapy dog and other activities. Participants who complete six activities can earn a frozen treat courtesy of Culver’s of Chelsea. The program wraps up July 22 with The Bubble Lady and a Rainbow Circus bubble show, along with treats from the Little Licks Ice Cream Truck.

Dexter District Library’s summer reading program runs June 15 through July 31 and is also open to all ages. Children who are not reading independently can join the Read-To-Me Club, while independent readers through fifth grade can join the Reading Club. Students in fifth through 12th grade may take part in the Teen Reading Program, and adults 18 and older can join the Adult Reading Program.

Dexter’s summer schedule includes story times, teen and tween activities, adult programs and special events. The children’s program begins with Baffling Bill the Magician at 11 a.m. June 15. Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day, set for 10 a.m. to noon July 10, will give children and adults a chance to see, sit in and learn about a variety of trucks and emergency vehicles.

Adults can also find programs tied to history, discovery and the Great Lakes. “Last Witness: Sole Survivors,” set for 6 p.m. June 17, will feature Great Lakes shipwreck expert Ric Mixter sharing stories of sole survivors from shipwrecks and rescue attempts. Children can register for summer reading at the Youth Reference Desk or through Beanstack, while adults can register at the Adult Reference Desk.

Milan Public Library’s Summer READing Adventure: Read, Explore, And Discover runs June 5 through Aug. 22 and is open to children, teens and adults. Participants can read or listen to books, e-books, magazines, e-magazines and audiobooks while earning prizes and entering prize drawings throughout the summer.

A library card is not needed to earn prizes or attend events, though one is needed to check out library materials. Students ages 4 and older enrolled in Milan Area Schools can get a free library card from Milan Public Library.

Milan’s program includes several community collaborations, including Touch a Truck from 5 to 7 p.m. July 16 at Wilson Park. About 25 community organizations and businesses are expected to bring vehicles for families to explore. The first hour, from 5 to 6 p.m., will be quieter, with no horns, sirens or lights.

The library is also offering “Our Milan,” an intergenerational series with Aid in Milan, Milan Seniors and Moving Milan Forward. Events include mini art July 7, a nature walk Aug. 2 at Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve and bingo Aug. 4 at The Center. New this year is “Unearth … Your Artistic Side,” a weekly art program for third- through fifth-graders.

Saline District Library’s summer reading program runs June 8 through Aug. 8 and is open to all ages, with separate READsquared programs for kids, teens and adults.

Children ages 12 and younger can track reading time, including listening, audiobooks and e-books, and earn points toward prizes. Teens can choose whether to log by books, pages, minutes or days read. Adults can earn prizes by reading five books, with physical books, graphic novels, e-books and audiobooks all counting.

Saline’s early summer schedule includes a Wacky Foam Party from 5 to 6 p.m. June 8 at the library. The free outdoor event is designed for families with children ages 12 and younger. The library also plans to wrap up the season with an ice cream social, Touch a Truck and community activities, though final details are still being confirmed.

More information about each program is available through the libraries’ websites and event calendars.