Explore the world we live in and the stories that are yet to be told in the Summer Reading Program.

The school’s library is closed during the summer, so for those students who usually socialize and read books together in the school library, will not be able to do so. The public library offers a program where students who love to read can join during the summer and get together and discuss books with their friends. They have the opportunity to earn awesome prizes such as free food coupons, gift cards, electronics or a book of your choice.

Community service will be offered to those who need it, they must be 14 years old or older, and teens have a chance to read to under privileged children. This program is hosted by Joanna Axelrod. The club as now been located in the Main Library on 239 South Kalmia Street since the social council decided to close down the East Valley Branch Library nearest to our school.

The Summer Reading Program has created a new way to interact with the different cultures around the world with this year’s theme “Around the World in 120 Minutes”. The theme includes parts of Asia, Europe, and Mediterranean booths that have foods and games to indulge in.  There will be eight booths each representing a different region. All the food will be sponsored by a restaurant for each country.  Registration is not required and all events are free.

Teen Summer Reading Program kick-off party starts June 16 and begins at 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. The reading clubs and activities will start June 29 and end with a Japanese themed finale on July 30.

 “This event was meant for teens that enjoy learning the different countries around the world,” Youth Librarian Axelrod said.

Everyone gets a free copy of the book while eating pizza and talking about the new summer reads with Axelrod. This opportunity comes every summer for now, so don’t miss this chance.

The books they read are decided by the member. Each book is the related to a specific country that was chosen for that day. Plus, members don’t have to finish the book if they want don’t to, beverages and snacks will be offered. Chipotle will be sponsoring the event by providing burritos and China Bistro will also be providing some fried rice. Some students here on campus are members themselves or are interested to join.

 “I’ve heard about this program for a while and been thinking of joining it this summer because I always check out my books at the Branch Library, and since they’re giving out free food and books this literature rumpus sounds fun,” freshman Andrea Ramirez said.