The summer of 2024 was a good one for the staff and patrons of the Montgomery Area Public Library.

On Monday, June 10, the library began their Summer Learning program. The theme was “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The program ran through Saturday, Aug. 3, and patrons of all ages were treated to a variety of adventures, indeeed.

Traditionally the library had a Summer Reading program in which school-aged children would be given a reading log to keep track of the books that they read over the summer, and would be rewarded for reading a certain amount of books by the end of the summer.

Now, Summer Reading is just one part of the multi-faceted Summer Learning program for all ages.

“As Summer Reading’s focus has changed over the last few years to be more about community engagement through programming rather than how many books are read during the eight weeks, libraries have started referring to it as Summer Learning,” said library Director Amber Adams. “Engaging children and families inside and outside the library with hands-on activities that focus on a theme with a lesson or skill in mind was really our focus again this year, while also promoting literacy through providing new books, Adult Book Club, sharing what the staff is reading and reading to our young patrons. ‘Adventure Begins at Your Library’ was the theme for all system member libraries for 2024 Summer Learning.”

Summer Reading is still a part of Summer Learning. Now, instead of only being for children, adults are welcome to participate as well. In the past, prizes were given in different age categories to the those who read the most books, but the format has changed.

“We didn’t have a prize for the most books or pages read. We focused more on encouraging programming participation. Children and adults were able to earn prizes each week for reading,” Adams said. “Our library has an ongoing reward program throughout the year, not just during summer learning. Children can earn points for each book read and pick a prize that equals their earned amount.”

Teenagers and adults who participated in Summer Reading were each given a bingo card. The card was titled “Adventure Bingo” and featured 25 spaces, each with a prompt.

There were 23 book prompts that participants were challenged to complete. The patron could choose any book that fit the theme. Some of the prompts included time travel, epic journey, pioneers, and sun on the cover. The card also included two book breaks, where patrons were challenged to complete an activity that was book-based.

Summer Reading participants of all ages received a reading log that challenged them to read for 15 minutes a day, four days a week. Patrons could bring the Reading Log in throughout the summer and choose a prize for each week in which they met that goal. There were prizes for all ages, including adults.

The activities offered over the summer had lots of opportunities to learn while having fun. There were craftsas well as outdoor adventures — but it wasn’t always easy.

“Our biggest challenge hosting outdoor programs has been anticipating the weather,” Adams said. “There were times we had to move and adapt our activity indoors. One of our shared events was canceled due to thunderstorms (Smores at Rider Park). These things will happen. Libraries are used to doing the best with what we are given.

“Family programming, like our firefighters in the park, fossil find at Muncy Creek with the Muncy Library, fairy houses and the skating party were successes for all ages,” she added. “Next year, we plan to host family painting activities.”

The Summer Learning program proved to be popular, with a large number of participants. There were 62 in-person shared programs over the course of eight weeks with more than 1,000 participants, Adams said. The library provided outreach nature-based programming for the forest school outdoor group in Montgomery called Summer Alive, led by Luanne Potter.

Throughout the Summer Learning period, the library welcomed 30 new patrons.

“As I count up the statistics for community engagement with the programming we provided this year, it’s clear to see the impact our library is able to make for our patrons and surrounding communities, as well,” she said.