Libraries and Bookstores

Libraries have lots of summer programs, divided by age.  Many of them are listed in the “by date” section but there are way too many to type — go to these sites to find what’s appropriate for your children.  Remember that most require registration and they are very popular, so give yourself two weeks in advance to register.

  • Fairfax County: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/programsevents.htm
    •  ALSO, the summer reading program usually begins when Fairfax County Public Schools end and runs at all the branches.  Details aren’t up yet, but typically preschoolers through sixth graders read 15 books (kids can have books read to them), and students entering grades 7-12 read eight books.  There Usually participants who finish reading the required number of books by Labor Day receive coupon books filled with all kinds of summer treats – in 2008 these included free ice cream, free popsicles, free or reduced admission to water parks, a free water painting kit and more, 2009 included similar items. Kids can read any books they choose; reading suggestions can be found in This Month, the library’s newsletter (available in library branches).  I will update this when details are available.
    • Don’t live in Fairfax County?  Loudoun County residents can still get a Fairfax County library card through their reciprocal card program!
  • Loudoun County: http://engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm?SiteID=6457
    • Story times at the Loudoun County Library branches can be found at the above link, here’s the schedule at some popular branches:
      • Ashburn Library
        • Babygarten (0-18 months)
          Mondays, 10:00 AM
          Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
          Saturdays, 11:00 AM
        • Toddler Storytimes (18-24 months) Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 AM
        • Terrific 2s Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:45 AM
        • Preschool Storytime (3s-5s) Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30 AM
        • Family Rhythm, Rhyme & Storytime (2 & up with a caregiver)
          Wednesdays, 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM
          Saturdays, 10:00 AM
          Sundays, 1:00 PM
      • Sterling Library
        • Toddler Storytime (18-24 months) Wednesdays, 11:00 AM
        • Pajama Family Storytime (2 & up) Thursdays, 7:30 PM 
        • Preschool Storytime (3 to 5s) Fridays, 11:00 AM
        • Rhythm, Rhyme & Storytime Tuesdays, 10:30 AM (June 22-August 10)
    • Pick up a copy of the Summer Reading Guide and sign up for the new summer reading program (track your summer reading for prizes) at: http://library.loudoun.gov/srp starting June 19  starting June 19 or watch the homepage http://library.loudoun.gov/  for more information – details were not yet up. 
    • Did you know that Fairfax County residents can hold a Loudoun County library card?  They have a reciprocal program – you just go in and fill out a form.  Loudoun County libraries have some terrific resources Fairfax County libraries don’t have.  The reverse is also true – Loudoun County residents may have a Fairfax County card!

Bookstore Reading Programs:  Check your local Barnes and Noble, Borders, or other bookstores for summer reading programs and story times – they are specific to the store so it would be cumbersome for me to list them here.

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