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/events/
- ALSO, the summer reading program begins when Fairfax County Public Schools end (June 21) 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. Usually participants who finish reading the required number of books by Labor Day receive coupon books filled with all kinds of summer treats – in past years these included free ice cream, free popsicles, free or reduced admission to water parks, a free water painting kit and more. Kids can read any books they choose; reading suggestions can be found in This Month, the library’s newsletter (available in library branches). Not only is reading fun, but then we have “coupon days” where we run around town redeeming the coupons for free stuff — a lot of fun on one of those hot, “Mom, I’m bored” kind of days!
- 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
- Storytimes at the Loudoun County Library branches can be found at the above link, here’s the schedule at Ashburn:
- 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
- Babygarten (0-18 months)
- Ashburn Library
- 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/Default.aspx?tabid=553 starting June 20. There are programs for every age – even adults and an opportunity to “read to give” — there were scant details on the site as the program isn’t launched yet, but I’m intrigued about a summer reading program that involved charity!
- 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!
- Storytimes at the Loudoun County Library branches can be found at the above link, here’s the schedule at Ashburn:
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 for the entire Metro DC area. I’ve not been yet, but have been told that Three Storytellers in historic Occoquan is quite charming. In addition to regular storytimes, the have special events. I do not list story times from bookstores in the by date section because I have found that bookstores (especially chain stores) tend change their schedules and this makes for headaches for me when I get emails from people with disappointed children!
