No matter what age you are, searching for the perfect book at the library can always be a fun time. After all, libraries can be a place to find your next favorite novel, learn new skills, hear exciting speakers, and more. This summer, you can do just that at the Forsyth County Public Library!  From June 8th–July 27th, the Forsyth County Public Library will hold its annual summer reading program, with this year’s theme, “Libraries Rock.”

“This year’s theme is centered on music and it is not just for children. The summer reading program has something for everyone,” stated Jess Schaefer, librarian at the Forsyth Central Children’s Library in downtown Winston-Salem.

According to Schaefer, there are copies of catalogs with summer reading programs at each branch library in Forsyth County.

“All activities are 100% free, but some do require people to register to attend. Whether or not a program needs registration can be found in the summer reading catalog. There are tons of activities from music to arts and crafts to family events,” Schaefer commented.

Below are some of the many programs that the libraries will be featuring during their “Libraries Rock” summer.

Children:

• Every week in June and July, multiple branch locations will show different movies appropriate for the whole family.
• At seven branches, the Wake Forest University Museum of Anthropology is presenting a hands-on program entitled “All kinds of Instruments,” where children can learn about different instruments from around the world.
• Six branch locations will feature times with the Balloon Lady, where she will create intriguing balloon creations for kids of all ages.
• The North Carolina Zoo is going to bring the music of various animals to several libraries with their program, “Animal Sound Bites.”
• Lastly, Schaefer described the featured system-wide performers, Imagine Circus, which will be presenting three different programs across the county: “Acro Alphabet,” “Time with Tain,” and a “Circus Skills Workshop” for kids 8–12 years of age.

Teens:

• Have a teen who is interested in computers and technology? The Forsyth County Libraries have summer programs on 3D printing and coding. There will also be programs about Japanese pop music, anime, cooking, and all kinds of gaming and crafts.
• Well-known writer “LB the Poet” will be coming to every branch in the county to conduct a poetry workshop just for teens.
• Movies for teens are held throughout the summer at the Central Library (Teen Central).
• Teens can learn about types of music around the world and cultures specific to them. The Wake Forest University Museum of Anthropology is presenting “Music Around the World.”
• Lastly, after-hour programs are available. Some examples are the Lewisville/Clemmons Teen Lock-In for ages 13–17 on Friday, July 27th, at the Lewisville Branch library and the Teen Lock-In on Friday, July 20th, at the Rural Hall Branch Library.

“Some activities do need permission slips from parents,” Schaefer explained. “These can be picked up at any library front desk.”

Adults:

• Book discussion clubs are held at various times at different library locations around the county. One new book club, for attendees 18 years and older, talks about their latest read while sipping on craft beer at Fiddlin’ Fish, located at 772 Trade St. (you must be at least 21 to drink). In addition, there are book clubs at various libraries with themes including mystery, fiction, and nonfiction.
• Pianist Pam Howland will give a free concert entitled “American Music: a 400-Year Adventure” at the Walkertown Branch Library on Saturday, June 30th at 1:00 pm.
• Movie nights and game nights are a favorite among many libraries.
• The list for adult programs includes acrylic painting classes, music trivia, academic lectures, genealogy classes, organic gardening, karaoke nights, basket weaving, gaming events, adult coloring, and so much more!

In addition to the hundreds of programs, the library provides reading lists with recommended books for all ages. With the featured books and reading lists, people can log in their reading hours and enter to win a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card from their local branch library. Other prizes include 2 weeks of free martial arts training with Tiger Kim’s Tae Kwon Do and a grand prize $100 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

Excited to get started?  Start your summer reading with the Forsyth County Public Libraries at their summer reading kick-off!

“To celebrate the beginning of the summer reading program, we are hosting a summer reading kick-off for all of Forsyth County on Friday, June 8th at 6:30 pm at our Central Library location, 660 West Fifth Street. People can come and enjoy music, food trucks, and tours through the Central Library,” commented Schaefer. “It is going to be a great time!”

For more information on the Forsyth County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, visit: http://www.forsyth.cc/library/summer_reading.aspx