Register for Mercer County Library Summer Programs

Registration for the Mercer County Library System’s “Dig Into Reading!” and “Beneath the Surface” summer reading programs begins Monday, June 24, at all branches throughout the system. The programs run through Aug. 9, for children 11 and under according to Mercer County officials.The programs run through Aug. 23 for teens.

Registration includes a reading log and prizes are awarded on a weekly basis for children who report their reading exploits. Teens and library volunteers will be available to assist in registering and picking out books.

The free programs include educational activities and contests to be held throughout the summer. Storytelling, magicians, science programs, nature and craft programs, puppet shows, theater workshops, musicians, comedians, fossil digs, a petting zoo and live animal shows are among the activities.

There are a variety of events, workshops and activities for teens, including book-themed events and clubs, song writing, playwriting workshop, film workshop, theater workshop, craft programs, balloon sculpture, gardening, teen games, anime, cooking and robotics. Each branch will offer its own set of prizes.

Certain programs require pre-registration with a valid MCLS library card, county officials said.

Children and teens reported reading 78,238 books as part of this program last year, according to county officials.

“Research has shown that children will maintain or improve their reading skills if they participate in some kind of summer reading program,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “That’s why the Mercer County Library System’s Summer Reading Program is so important, because it puts books in the hands of children.”

The summer reading program is available online for ages 12-18 through Aug. 23, and the theme is “Beneath the Surface.”  

The Friends of the Library or local library association or advisory committee supporting programming sponsor the programs at each branch, county officials said.

Branch locations are located in member municipalities as follows:  Ewing, Hickory Corner (East Windsor), Hightstown, Hollowbrook Community Center (Ewing), Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers and West Windsor.

The Mercer County Library System is part of the National Collaborative Summer Reading Program, which helps children develop early language skills and motivate young adults to read and discuss books.

Visit the library’s website -- www.mcl.org -- for a complete listing of programs and events. Printed calendars and registration details will also be available at each branch.