(JOHNSTOWN, PA.) – The Cambria County Library’s summer reading program, SummerQuest, will begin with Kick Off Week, taking place June 13 through 18. The theme of this year’s program is “Oceans of Possibilities” and includes five weeks of reading challenges and ocean-themed programs and special events.
Beginning June 13, readers of all ages are invited to register at cclsys.beanstack.org, where they can earn badges by completing reading challenges or attending an in-person event. Registration can also be done through the Beanstack Tracker app or at the library.
Participants earning a designated number of badges will be eligible for a chance to win prizes in each age category. Prizes for children include a hoverboard or scooter. Prizes for teens include various gift cards and a Nintendo Switch. Adults can win a Homedics SoundSpa, a 3D aquarium puzzle, gift cards, or a Kindle Fire tablet.
Events taking place during Kick Off Week include:
• Tuesday, June 14: At 6 p.m., take a Virtual Visit to the National Aquarium, Baltimore, including a tour of the Aquarium’s aquatic habitats and animals and a behind-the-scenes look at the Animal Care and Rescue Center. There will be three viewing areas throughout the library for adults, teens, and children. The children’s department will offer refreshments, activities and crafts beginning at 5 p.m. The adult’s and teen’s viewing areas will offer refreshments following the program.
• Thursday, June 16: Visit the Goats of Trinity Farms Center for Healing on the library lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, June 18: The Family Movie Matinee will feature the Disney Pixar film, Luca, shown in the 2nd floor Story Theater. Free popcorn is provided.
SummerQuest programming continues through June and July. Kids can attend weekly classes with activities and stories offered in six age categories. The Children’s Department will also host a reptile visit, weekly LEGO club and movies, and a book club for students in grades 3 through 6. There is also a weekly self-guided activity for those that cannot attend a scheduled program. This year, the Summer Youth Café returns to its 5-day format, offering healthy and free meals every weekday from Noon to 1 p.m. for all youth ages 18 and under. Events for teens include tie-dying, a ‘manga & tea’ tasting, and a high seas role-playing adventure. Teens are also invited to use the library’s teens-only space on the first floor during business hours, where they have free use of assorted games, art supplies, wi-fi, and more. SummerQuest offerings for adults include an “Oceans of Fun” trivia night, a screening of the documentary, “Sealab,” and a presentation by Eric Jay Dolin, best-selling author of Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America's Most Notorious Pirates.
SummerQuest End Week festivities include a celebration in the children’s department on Tuesday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and an all-ages program on Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m.featuring OctoGirl, Dr. Chelsea Bennice.
For more information and a complete schedule of SummerQuest programming, visit www.cclsys.orgor follow the library on Facebook.
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For questions or comment about the library’s SummerQuest program, please contact our Program Coordinators:
• (Children’s Program) Leah Johncola, Youth Services Coordinator, at (814) 536-5131 ext. 205 or johncolal@cclsys.org
• (Teen Program) Joyce Homan, Teen Programming Coordinator, at (814) 536-5131 ext 212 or homanj@cclsys.org
• (Adult Program) Vicki Stasiak, Adult Programming Coordinator, at (814) 536-5131 ext 217 or stasiakv@cclsys.org
