Summer Reading Festival Coming To Owings Mills Library

From Baltimore County Public Library: The Baltimore County Public Library will kick off this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with a fun, free and family-oriented festival on Sunday, June 10, at the Owings Mills Branch Library. The kickoff will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and feature music, entertainment, furry adoptable friends and, of course, information and sign-up opportunities for the library’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Sunday’s kickoff will be held both inside and outside of the Owings Mills Branch, which is located at 10302 Grand Central Avenue in Metro Centre Owings Mills. Gina Crash, morning co-host on Today’s 101.9 will emcee, play music and hand out prizes from 1 to 3 p.m. and indie kids’ band Guava Jelly will take the stage from 3 to 4 p.m. Featured also will be free balloon art and face painting, hula hooping/juggling with Baltimore Hoop Love, magic tricks, stilt walking and the Baltimore Ravens’ Poe. Baltimore County Animal Services’ Cuddle Shuttle will be on site with adoptable cats and kittens.

In addition to enjoying the entertainment, attendees can sign up for Baltimore County Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge and see firsthand the variety of programs and resources the library offers.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free program that encourages children and teens to read over their school break in order to prevent the “summer slide.” The program focuses on keeping keep students’ minds active and engaged during their summer break, with incentives for reading and a wide array of programs focusing on science, technology, arts and math (STEAM), making and more. Ten branches* will serve free lunches to those 18 and younger (provided by Baltimore County Public School’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services) each weekday throughout the summer break.

"The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the most critical and impactful programs that Baltimore County Public Library hosts each year," said Director Paula Miller. "More than 50,000 school-aged children participate annually, and the program helps to maintain and even improve the academic levels students attained during the school year.”

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge sponsors include Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association, Maryland 529, Rockin’ Jump, Barnes & Nobleand Baltimore’s Child magazine.

Baltimore County Public Library has been an anchor in the community since 1948 and continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Baltimore County residents. Today, its 19 branches are safe zones, civic centers, technology hubs and spaces for ideas and learning. Baltimore County Public Library has offerings for the entire family to explore, learn, create and connect. For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info and follow Baltimore County Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

*Branches include Arbutus; Essex; Lansdowne; Loch Raven; North Point; Randallstown; Reisterstown; Rosedale; White Marsh and Woodlawn.

Image Via Shuttershock