Quincy Public Library launching summer reading program on Saturday morning

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Library will launch its summer reading program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4. The event is free to the public and will feature vendors, crafts and activities for all ages.

Special events throughout the day are QCT’s “Ms. Electricity” show at 10 a.m., square dancing with TexasRoadhouse’s Andy the Armadillo at 11 a.m. and squirt gun painting from noon-2 p.m. A local author will visit at 11:30 a.m., and participants can make a trail mix craft between 10 a.m. and noon.

Vendors will be The Quincy Axe Company, Quincy Children’s Museum, Mr. Wizard’s Bounce House and 8ate Open Food Truck. Face painting, a selfie station and a scavenger hunt are available. The library will be the host of free activities for children, teens and adults during the next two months that encourage and support a love of reading.

This summer’s themes are:

• June 6-18 — Nature and adventure camp
• June 20-July 2 — Arts and Crafts Camp
• July 4-16 — Space camp
• July 18-30 — Performing arts camp

Readers of all ages can receive prizes for their reading endeavors. At the end of the summer, children will be entered into a drawing for a bicycle and helmet, and teens and adults will be entered in drawings for themed gift baskets.  

Research has shown reading during the summer prevents reading loss. Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t, according to Kathleen Helsabeck, executive director of the Quincy Public Library.

To learn more about the summer reading adventure and to sign up for programs at the library, call 217-223-1309.