Registration is now open for Lambton County Library’s free annual Summer Reading Challenge — and this year the library is challenging the community to read 40,000 books.
The Summer Reading Challenge, open to all ages, runs July 2 to August 11, and times to incentivize people to read and take part in free activities and games for a chance to win prizes.
“While it is fun to have a two-month break from studies at school, it is still important that students keep their literacy skills up during the summer and that students do not lose the skills they worked so hard to develop during the school year,” said Vanitia Campbell, Public Services
Coordinator, Youth. “The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Tales Through Time, and we’ve designed a fun program that encourages kids to read, rewards reading and completing activities with prizes, and offers a range of in-person free events to provide places for kids to socialize and learn with their peers.”
The Challenge is also open to teens and adults, and prize draws are available for all participants who complete various activities.
To register, participants can sign up online with Beanstack, a user-friendly platform with a website and mobile app,or visit any Lambton County Library location during operating hours. Once registered, participants aged 0-17 can pick up a Summer Reading Challenge kit from any
Lambton County Library location. Each age group (0-4 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years, and 13-17 years) will receive an age-specific French or English kit that includes a canvas tote, painting supplies, an activity book, and stickers.
One lucky winner in each age category will find a Golden Ticket hidden inside their kit, redeemable for a special prize.
As part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, several special library programs will take place including:
Captain Corbin’s Boatload of Fun Pirate Magic Show - All Ages
Join Captain Corbin for an interactive show of nautical nonsense and magical fun! Featuring audience participation and a meet-and-greet after the show.
• Sarnia Library Theatre, Saturday, July 13 – 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Time Travelers Training Camp — Ages 4+
Become a time traveler! Craft a medieval crown, unearth dinosaur bones, master the art of archery, and conquer an ancient Greek obstacle course. Strike a pose in the Time Warp photobooth and choose your favorite historical backdrop and props.
• Bright’s Grove Library: Thursday, July 4 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Sarnia Library: Wednesday, July 10 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Corunna Library: Tuesday, July 23 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Petrolia Library: Wednesday, July 24 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wyoming Library: Wednesday, July 31 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Forest Library: Thursday, August 1 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Canadian Border Services Agency K9 Unit with Bones and Smoke — Ages 4+
Meet detector dogs Bones and Smoke and their handlers Amy and Vince and learn how they work together every day to keep our borders safe!
• Point Edward Library: Monday, July 8 – 1 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Summer Wildlife with Pinery Park Naturalists — Ages 4+
Join Pinery Park Naturalists in this fun, hands-on program and learn about summer wildlife.
• Arkona Library: Wednesday, July 17 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Forest Library: Tuesday, July 23 – 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Grand Bend Library : Thursday, July 25 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Thedford Library: Tuesday, August 6 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Watford Library: Wednesday, August 7 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Port Franks Library: Monday, August 12 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Last year, 2,781 people participated in Lambton County Library's Summer Reading Challenge and read 33,630 books, more than double the number logged in 2022. This marked the highest level of reading in the history of Lambton County Library's Summer Reading Challenge.
For more information about Lambton County Library's Summer Reading Challenge, including contest and prize descriptions, and a full calendar of events, visit lclibrary.ca/SRC and follow Lambton County Library on social media: @LCLibraryca on Facebook and X.
For more information on how to become a Lambton County Library cardholder visit lclibrary.ca/apply.