Ashland’s Summer Reading Program Starts June 21

The library’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) kicks off on Thursday, June 21, with a special event on Saturday, June 23. Saturday’s event is still in the planning stages at the time of this writing, but the library hopes to have several live bands performing outside the Ashland Public library, 66 Front St., throughout the day.
All ages, including entire families, can participate in the SRP. Readers will create an online log to track the amount of time they spend reading, earning incentives all summer long as their minutes add up. Prizes this summer will include books, tote bags, coupons to local restaurants and more. The goal is to pass last year’s total of 1,194,713 minutes!
Community-Supported Program
The SRP has been a success in the past due to the support and encouragement of many local merchants and residents. The program is a collaborative effort with the library, the Friends of the Ashland Library (FAL) and the Ashland Public Schools. Program co-chairs are Lois McAuliffe, Children’s Library Director, and volunteer, Clair Goss, FAL. The team is passionate about literacy and teaching kids to love reading.
“Last summer teachers and principals from Mindess, Warren and Pittaway schools read to the kids,” Goss said. “The kids get excited seeing their teachers outside of school!”
“Monetary donations will support the children’s e-books, audio books, themed backpacks for the very young readers, books for the required summer reading for each grade, and much more,” Goss said. “Our goal is to offer a free book to each participating child every week. This goal will be reached with support from Ashland merchants and residents.”
“We greatly appreciate monetary donations from individuals, families, as well as Ashland businesses and companies. We have also had community groups collectively pitch in and donate. In 2017 a group of Cookingham Greene Condo residents were our top donors!” Goss recalled.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to Summer Reading Program, Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland, MA 01721 or donated directly online, www.friendsoftheapl.com/summer-reading-donations.
For more information, contact summer-reading@friendsoftheapl.com.