About the Summer Library Program
Each year HCLS holds a Summer Library Program that runs from June to July. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join our reading challenge and make reading a daily habit! We offer a variety of in-person, virtual, and take-home activities to encourage learning and enrich the summer months.
Our program utilizes resources from the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) in partnership with the Mississippi Library Commission. The theme for 2024 will be Adventure Begins at Your Library.
We’ll have challenges, programs, and activities for the following age groups:
Early Literacy (0-5), including the Excel by 5 Rubber Ducky program
Children (6-11)
Teens (12-17)
Adults (18+)
Participants in the upper age range for Early Readers and Children may step up into the next challenge if the activities and prizes are preferred.
Our partners Excel by 5 will present stories, crafts, and activities on a different theme each week for our Rubber Ducky Club, beginning at 10:30 AM at the scheduled library branch:
Monday—East Hancock in Diamondhead
Tuesday—Pearlington
Wednesday—Bay St. Louis
Thursday—Kiln
Friday—Waveland
Beanstack
Beanstack is online reader engagement platform HCLS uses to facilitate reading challenges and activities throughout the year, including the Summer Library Program. The platform and mobile app are free to use, simply download the Beanstack Tracker app for Android or Apple devices or log in to hancocklibraries.beanstack.org on any computer to create an account and enroll in challenges.
Beanstack will let you track your reading times by using a timer or entering the date and minutes. You can find book lists, same-age peer reviews, and a variety of challenges to read and learn all year. Start now and help us reach our yearly reading goal!
Reading Logs to Print
You can also keep track of your child’s reading on a paper log.
Each library branch will have a dedicated kiosk to enter your reading, or you can submit your logs before the raffle prize deadline to have staff enter your reading and raffle drawings for the prizes of your choice.
Table log:
Color-In log:
Win a Prize!
Prizes will be awarded for participants in our reading challenge. Enroll in the reading challenge for your age group in Beanstack on the app or any computer. You can visit the library to access our computers to log your reading and get help. If you are unable to access Beanstack, you can download our paper reading log to track your reading--be sure to enter or turn in your reading log before the deadline to be entered into prize drawings. Prizes will be announced at the end of the Summer Library Program, and must be picked up in person.
Log Reading & Enter Prize Drawings of Your Choice
Present a Program
HCLS is looking for speakers and groups to present high-quality programming for children, teens, and adults that aligns with our programming goals and fits the yearly theme. A wide range of programming opportunities will fit this year’s theme of Adventure Begins at Your Library, including: Travel Adventures, Adventures in Nature, Imagination, Mysteries & Puzzles, Adventures Close to Home, and Adventures in the Dark.
We are particularly interested in developing STEM programs for all ages.
If you have a presentation or activity for Summer Library Program, please submit a guest speaker interest form and include your interest in Summer Library Program in your description.
Photo Reel - SLP2023
Our Sponsors & Partners
HCLS is able to bring our patrons a fantastic Summer Library Program thanks to the support of the Mississippi Library Commission, The Library Foundation of Hancock County, and the generous support of sponsors and community donations. HCLS Summer Library Program is supported and empowered by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, which enables librarians to share ideas, expertise, and costs to produce a high-quality summer reading program for children, teens, and adults.
If you would like to make a donation or become a sponsoring partner, please contact us at info@hancock.lib.ms.us
All press inquiries may be directed to Kevin Cole, PR/Marketing coordinator at kcole@hancock.lib.ms.us or 228.467.6836