TRL’s Summer Library Program ends Aug. 31

There is still time to take part in the Timberland Regional Library Summer Library Program ending Aug. 31.

Kids and grownups can brighten their summer by reading, exploring, creating and learning as part of the Summer Library Program (SLP), a program created by Timberland Regional Library (TRL) for the communities it serves in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.

SLP is a fantastic educational tool for parents and their kids, said Jessica Friberg, Timberland Regional Library District Manager - Youth Services and Programs. This year’s program has seen a rise in the number of people taking part, she said.

“We have seen an increase in people participating in the Summer Library Program this year, especially with the number of free books we have been able to give away when people join the program,” Friberg said.

While TRL won't have an exact amount until staff begin returning unused books to the service center in September, approximately 10,000 books have been distributed to TRL libraries for the SLP program, Friberg said.

TRL also has been able to once again begin offering services such as in-person programs at many of the libraries, Friberg said, which has added to SLP participation.

“I'm looking forward to seeing more people join us as we continue to expand in-person programs this fall, including favorites such as storytime,” Friberg said.

Participating in library activities and events over the summer is a terrific way to help reduce summer learning loss in kids, a phenomenon that happens when the skills students learn during the school year are lost or forgotten over the summer, Friberg said.

Activities that are a part of TRL’s Summer Library Program keep kids engaged in learning and keep their minds stimulated, she said.

To take part in SLP, library goers of all ages can visit any one of the 29 TRL locations to receive a free book and an activity log.

Participants can track their TRL Summer Library Program activities on their paper log or digitally at trl.beanstack.org or after downloading the Beanstack app.

Once 10 activities are completed, submit your digital log online or turn in your paper log and receive a certificate of completion and, while supplies last, a second free book.

Some of the activities that are part of the TRL Summer Library Program include:

• StoryTrails – Participants can walk a local trail and read a picture book as a fun and engaging way to combine a love of nature and a love of reading. Visit TRL.org/Storytrail for a list of locations and more information.
• Take and Make activity bags – These crafts, to be created at home, include supplies and directions and are available for a variety of ages at selected locations while supplies last.
• Zoom Storytimes – Anyone, anywhere can join our expert storytime providers and other families live on Zoom. Check out Family Storytime and Bilingual Time/La hora bilingüe to find storytimes in English and Spanish.
• Library of Things – Patrons can check out and explore unique natural environments throughout Washington, test a product or take up a new hobby with items from TRL’s Library of Things collections.
• Youth and Senior Connect Boxes – These tubs are filled with 55-70 books that are available for loan to community centers, health care agencies, before- and after-school programs, head start locations, preschools, daycare centers, day camps and youth groups.
  Grab Bag – Patrons can share what they love to read, listen to or watch, and library staff will put together a library grab bag of personalized materials. A grab bag form is available online and grab bags can be created for all ages and reading levels.

Those interested in the Summer Library Program can visit events.TRL.org for a full list of summer activities for all ages. They also can download an activity log or the Beanstack app from below:

SLP Activity Log English Color.pdf

SLP Activity Log Spanish Color.pdf

SLP Activity Log English BW.pdf

SLP Activity Log Spanish BW.pdf

TRL.beanstack.org