Alexandria Library Launches SummerQuest Reading Program For Children 0-17 Featuring Science, Music, Magic and More!

As part of Alexandria Library’s tradition of offering exciting and stimulating summer reading programs for children ages 0 through 17, the Library presents its SummerQuest and teen Beneath the Surface reading programs, which launched on June 17 and will run through August 31. Since 1983, the Library has offered these programs when school is out to help make reading fun and to keep children’s minds engaged. This year’s SummerQuest theme, “Dig Into Reading,” will feature a variety of children’s performers and educational organizations such as Alexandria Archaeology Museum, storyteller Diane Macklin, and KayDee Puppets to help keep children enthusiastic about learning while bringing books to life.

“Participating in SummerQuest is a great way to combat the learning loss that typically occurs during the summer months,” said Joy Oliver, Beatley Central Library’s Youth Services Manager.

The program, which can help improve children's reading skills when school is out of session, invites kids between 6 and 12 years old to sign up for SummerQuest online, allowing them to track the books that they read. Those who read a minimum of 10 books will receive a prize. Children who are ages 0 through 5 years old can register for SummerQuest Jr. to receive an early literacy activity sheet. Teenagers are challenged to read five books or more, and participants names will be entered in a drawing to win one of four prizes.

In continuing to partner with the City of Alexandria’s public schools to promote excellence in child literacy, Alexandria Library has provided SummerQuest brochures to every elementary student as part of its outreach campaign. Additionally, Alexandria Library will be enhancing its partnership with the city’s recreation centers by providing SummerQuest programs at several of its facilities throughout the city.