If you’re looking for affordable things to do this summer your local library has you covered!
I’m sharing how you can find adventure at Kenton County Public Library this summer with the summer reading celebration and more.
This article is written in partnership with Kenton County Public Library.
Join the Summer Reading Celebration Adventure at Your Library
The Summer Reading Celebration Adventure at Your Library is from June 1- July 31st.
How Does it Work?
Starting June 1 you can track your daily reading with a paper log (pick up at the library) or by using Beanstack, the Reading Tracker App.
You can watch the tutorial for how to use Beanstack here.
This challenge DOESN’T count time or books because the focus is on reading daily.
It could be a book, magazine, Facebook, or even the back of a cereal box.
How the Libary Can Help You Create A Habit of Reading This Summer
If you want to read more but haven’t figured out how to carve out the time, the library can help.
A big part of creating a new habit for adults and kids is starting small and being consistent. That’s where the Summer Reading Celebration at the library comes in.
The library has created incentives to help motivate patrons to form the habit of reading daily, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
These incentives are for ALL ages not just kids!
It might be as simple as carving out some time each evening to read before bed or bringing a book to enjoy at the pool or park.
Prizes for Kids
- Earn a drawstring bag after 5 days of reading.
- Earn a book after 10 days of reading.
- Earn a t-shirt or canvas tote after 15 days of reading.
- Keep reading to earn entries into our grand prize giveaways at the end of summer.
- Earn one entry for every five days of reading.
Prizes for Teens and Adults
- Adults and Teens will earn their prize after 15 days of reading.
- Earn an insulated water bottle or canvas tote for 15 days of reading.
- Keep reading to earn entries into our grand prize giveaways at the end of summer.
- Earn one entry for every five days of reading.
Info For Everyone
- Read & Earn Prizes
- * Prizes while supplies last
- * T-shirt sizes limited
Save the Dates – Library Kick-Off Events
Each Kenton County Public Library branch will have a special event for the summer reading kickoff. The events are open to residents within and outside Kenton County.
Erlanger Branch
401 Kenton Lands Rd, Erlanger, KY
Passport to Adventure: Summer Reading Celebration Kickoff
Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5 PM – 7 PM
“Join us for an adventure through the library as we celebrate the start of summer reading! Travel to the ocean to see a live shark, meet superheroes as they save the city, go on a scavenger hunt safari, and other fun journeys. Fuel up with pizza while supplies last.“
Independence Branch
1992 Walton Nicholson Rd, Independence, KY
Summer Reading Kickoff – Choose Your Own Adventure!
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 12 PM – 2:30 PM
“Calling all seekers of Adventure! Push yourself to the limit as you attempt to dominate the 60-foot, Radical Run Obstacle Course, and the Wipeout Extreme Ball Run! Take it to the max with Choose Your Own Adventure contests! Refreshments will be served!“
Covington Branch
Summer Reading Celebration Kickoff
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 6 PM – 8 PM
“Celebrate the beginning of Summer Reading at the Covington Branch. Enjoy family-friendly activities, inflatables, music by DJ Tony Nickol, pizza, and Kona Ice! Door prizes will be raffled off during the event, and you must be present to WIN! The first 50 in attendance receive a special gift.“
Additional Ways to Have an Adventure at Your Library this Summer
There are many ways to adventure at your local library this summer.
Explore Through Books
Discover destinations that you want to visit in the future, escape through books to another world, or travel back in time through fiction books.
Enjoy the Children’s Play Areas
Each Kenton County Public Library branch has dedicated play areas for kids. Kids can spend time reading or tap into their imagination through play.
The library is a great option for a rainy day or if you need to beat the heat in the summer.
Teen Areas
Each Kenton County Public Library Branch has a dedicated area for teens and special teen-focused programs and events.
Create at the STREAM Center at Erlanger and Covington Branches
You can get creative at the Erlanger and Covington Branches.
The STREAM Center stands for (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art & Math) and it’s a place to create, be creative and learn new skills. The STREAM Center combines hands-on learning and digital technology.
You can see the full list of STREAM equipment here and you’re only charged for the materials used.
If you haven’t used the equipment before you’ll need to schedule a training 48 hours in advance with staff. You can check the schedule for upcoming free classes too.
Examples of Ideas to Make at the STREAM Center
- Vacation T-shirt
- Banners and posters or graduation parties or special events
- Engrave a cutting board
The Covington Branch has additional equipment including a button maker, laminator, and various paper-cutting tools for use by the public.
During a recent visit, we made custom Euchre coasters on the sublimation machine for our monthly Euchre tournament with friends.
Examples of Ideas to Make at the Covington Branch
- Designs on mugs
- Coasters
- Plates
- Tumblers
Check Out Items From The Libary of Things
You can check out telescopes, large yard games, tools, and more from The Library of Things.
Go On A History Adventure at the Local History and Genealogy Department
You can take a deeper dive into your family history or the history of the area at the Covington Branch.
Don’t know where to start?
You can contact the library to request help with your genealogy and local history research or to schedule a one-on-one research assistance appointment.
Try It Before You Buy It At the Library
You can save money by trying items and classes before you commit to purchasing the item or classes.
Did you know the library has video games, books, movies, 3-D printers, yoga and Zumba classes, knitting, etc?
Free Lunch at the Library
All three branches offer free lunches once a week during the summer for kids.
Covington Branch
Every Monday starting June 3 & ending July 29 from 11 AM -12 PM library patrons can enjoy a FREE meal provided by the Covington Independent School District.
Independence Branch
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 11:45 AM –12:45 PM
Each Tuesday children 18 and under receive a free lunch courtesy of the Kenton County school district. Those over 18 will pay a small fee for food.
Erlanger Branch
Children 18 and under will receive a free meal provided by Erlanger-Elsmere Schools (while supplies last) each Wednesday starting June 5 through July 31 from 12 PM – 1PM.
Meals for adults may be purchased and lunches must be eaten on-site.
Don’t Miss Out On Special Events at Each Library Branch All Summer Long!
Did you know you can read to rabbits with the “Down the Rabbit Hole” program at the Independence Branch?
Reading to bunnies can gain confidence in reading out loud and help reduce anxiety and blood pressure. Make sure that you sign up for your time slot in advance.
Here are the Adventure-themed special events all summer long.
Enter to Win a Prize Pack From Kenton County Public Library
I’m giving away the following in the Prize Pack
- (3) Level 1 Readers
- (2) Baby Board Books
- (2) Teen Books
- (2) Books for Adults
- A cooler
- T-shirt
- Water Bottle
- Tote
*Prize pack must be picked up at one of the Kenton County Public Library branch locations. No substitutions.
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Share Your Kenton County Public Library Adventure Pics on Social Media
Don’t forget to tag your pictures on social media with the hashtags #KCPadventure and #kcplsrc2024.
