Like everything else in 2020, this summer’s Allen County Public Library’s programming looks a lot different than in years past. 

Part of the program involves at-home reading by or to children to accumulate points for prizes. With the school year ending in a very different way this spring, at-home reading and learning is second nature to many young people. SPARK Summer Learning 2020 continues that in a fun way which should tide us over until things hopefully return to normal.

While tracking reading time is still a big part of it, this year the programming will be “take home” with curbside pickup available on a limited basis. 

The reading tracking began on June 1 and will continue until July 31 with prizes available July 1-Aug. 31. 

Among the take home programs for children are Binary Coding Necklaces, Imagine Your Story-Writing, Sun Printmaking, Design a Board Game, Imagine Your Story–Drawing, Fairy Houses, Unicorn Party, Paper Puppet Show, Crayon Watercolor Resist, Outdoor Science Explore, Woven Yarn Butterflies, and Stacked Sculptures. 

Teen programs include Wand Making, Beaded Spiral Suncatcher, Watercolor Basics, Pez Flashlights, Fakemon, DIY Hair Accessory, Henna Art, Orizomegami, Thrift Shop Art, Shrinky Dinks where teens can make some bling for their backpacks.

SPARK helps to promote engagement and learning all summer long using creativity and activity to augment the reading as kids can spend time with family earning prizes (which are often books to be chosen by the participant, and there are no greater prizes than free books). 

In recent years adults have been able to participate by logging reading hours. That tracking can be done via the Beanstack app or on paper, available to print at home or at curbside pickup. 

The Community Reading Goal this year is eight million minutes, so get in touch with ACPL soon to find out how you and your family can participate and help Allen County reach that goal. 

And toward that goal, due to closures, ACPL has raised the limit of items patrons may now put on hold with up to 10 holds allowed for curbside pickup. 

Email all questions to ask@acpl.info or visit the ACPL website.