“Summer camp for adults: where we stay in our cabins and read all day and then in the evenings we sit around the fire and talk about our books and eat s’mores.”
Now, that’s my kind of camp (assuming the cabins have AC and indoor plumbing). The library can’t quite provide that experience for our readers but we’re going camping for our summer reading program for adults (age 18 and older).
Camp Read-a-Lot opens on May 31 and runs through July 31 and is really quite simple—you earn badges by reading books, attending programs, and taking part in library activities.
We have three different book trails of varying difficulty—become a Riverside Reader, Hilltop Hiker, or a Mountain Master. You can read one, two, or all three trails, earning up to three different badges but only one prize. There will be a grand prize drawing using all completed trail guides turned in by August 3rd.
You can get started with a special “Books & Gear” bag that will equip you with two books specially chosen for you along with accessories to help with your summer book camping (and yes, some of those are tasty treats). They will be ready for delivery within the city limits on Thursday, June 16th, or you can pick them up at the library between that day and Saturday, June 18 during regular business hours. Bags are limited to the first 50 campers who contact us at 620-230-5560, by email at ref@pplonline.org, or use the Curbside form on our website, www.pplonline.org (please be sure to indicate you’re signing up for a Books & Gear bag).
On Tuesday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m., Jesse Gilmore, our friendly Wildcat Extension Agent, will present a program on beginning foraging. From July 11 through the 23, come take part in our indoor Scavenger Hunt at the library. We’ll close out the camping season on Wednesday, July 27, with our Campfire Tales & Tunes at 6:30 p.m.
There’s no registration forms to fill out—our trail guides (i.e. reading logs) will be ready to pick up beginning next week. When you stop in to get one, it will also be the perfect time to pick up one of our Grab & Go book bundles—perfect for the long holiday weekend. Library staff have chosen two books that we think go together under a theme (think “Law & Order” or “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” They’re perfect when you need a couple of books but don’t have the time to peruse the shelves—you just grab ‘em and go! Camping’s not for everyone—I can testify to that!—but I think it’s safe to say that Camp Read-a-Lot is your perfect summer getaway.