GOOD NEWS: Summer reading programs start Thursday at local libraries

Staff reports  |  Charleston County Public Library this week will kick off its 2017 Summer Reading Programs, which run from June 1 through July 31 and feature hundreds of free events and fun prizes for participants of all ages.

Pre-registration is already underway, and the library offers programs designed for the following age groups:

• Build a Better World: Summer Reading Program for Kids: Children ages 11 and younger earn prizes for reading or listening to stories. Rewards are distributed to kids who complete five, 15 and 30 hours of reading, and prizes include the S.C. Reading Medal, a RiverDogs game pass, vouchers for local attractions, and more. Enjoy nearly 700 programs that feature live animals, storytellers, concerts and other exciting performances.
• Summer Reading for Babies is for pre-readers, and activity sheets are designed for caregivers and babies. Participants who complete the activities receive a board book and a free tote bag. Click here to download the children’s Summer Reading program.
• Build a Better World Reading Contest: Summer Reading Program for Teens: Students entering grades 6-12 win cool prizes for reading whatever they like. Teens are rewarded for reaching a reading goal through weekly prize drawings and branch grand prize drawings. Prizes include free food, passes to local attractions, and gift cards.
• Reading Wave: Summer Reading Program for Adults: Participants age 18 and older are eligible for bi-monthly gift card prizes and a grand prize drawing.

Summer Reading is part of the library’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy, encourage families to read for pleasure, and help school-aged children maintain their reading skills during the gap between spring and fall semesters. Studies show that students who don’t read during the summer will regress and be less prepared when school resumes.

It’s easy to sign up for Summer Reading, and customers may click here to pre-register now or sign up at any CCPL branch.

• For information on program events, prizes, reading lists and registration information, visit the CCPL website at ccpl.org/SummerReading.

In other Good News:

Making wishes come true.  Hats off to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for helping the Make-A-Wish South Carolina raise more than $65,000 in an inaugural gala and auction as participants at the plantation’s carriage house dined on great dishes prepared by top chefs.  Magnolia executive director Tom Johnson said, ““The success of this inaugural event not only speaks well for Charleston’s generosity and the city’s hospitality industry but also secures the likelihood this gala will become a premier fundraising event. It is our hope that we’ve established a long relationship with Make-A-Wish South Carolina.”

Best wishes.  A tip of the hat to Jane Riley-Gambrell, who will retire in the fall after 24 years as executive director of Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area.  During her time at the organization, it has seen almost 1,200 students graduate after being identified as being at-risk and helped.  The organization’s program benefits more than 10,000 students and their families annually.

Hurricane guide.  It’s that time of year again to be on the lookout for hurricanes.  With hurricane season starting June 1, you can download the state’s 2017 Hurricane Guide by clicking here to find out a lot of helpful information.