“Oceans of Possibilities” program kicks off June 11

Catch the reading wave with Harnett County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s program, “Oceans of Possibilities”, makes a splash June 11 through July 23 at the County’s Public Library, located at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington.

Kids, teens, adults, and families are invited to read books, participate in educational activities, and win prizes all summer long.

“Summer Reading provides oceans of fun for all, but even more importantly, it inspires our youth to keep reading during their summer break,” stated Autumn Landers, Youth Services Librarian. “Reading just 2-3 hours each week during the summer helps to prevent a loss of the reading skills they worked so hard to gain during the school year.”

Early Literacy, Elementary, and Teens

Early literacy, elementary children and teens will dive into the ocean depths this summer as Harnett County Public Library presents “Oceans of Possibilities” during their summer reading program.

Toddlers ages 0 to 4 can participate in weekly Storytimes, Yoga or Zumbini with Ms. Dollie, and Literacy in Motion classes.  

Children ages 5-12 can participate in Fintastic Canvas Paintings, Pirates Taking-Shell Excavating, Splish-Splash ‘Sandsation’ Slime, Squid Squish with NC Aquarium, Sand-Crafted Beach Baubles, and Boom ‘Sharkalaka Ceramic Painting classes.

Teens ages 13 to 18 can participate in Fintastic Canvas Paintings, Dead Sea Salt Scrub, Shark Pottery, Squid Squish with NC Aquarium, Ocean Suncatchers, and Resin Oyster Shells classes.

All children and teens will win a prize by submitting weekly summer reading logs, and will be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize for submitting a log all six weeks.

The Library will host a Summer Reading Kickoff event on Saturday, June 11 from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Harnett County Public Library. Interested individuals can register for the Summer Reading Program, and enjoy inflatables, face painting, Pelican’s snoballs, and activities from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. 

Adults

Individuals 18 and older can also join the reading fun this summer by participating in the following programs: Fintastic Canvas Paintings, Dead Sea Salt Scrub, Book Club- Beach Read, Red, White, & Deep Blue Sea Earrings, Chronicles of Yarnia, Sand and SUNcatchers, and Ocean Resin COASTers.  

Adults can complete tasks on the reading log to win a prize each week. Individuals who complete all tasks will also be entered into a grand prize drawing.

An Adult Luau Kickoff Party is scheduled for June 14 from 5pm to 7pm at the Harnett County Resource Center & Library Training Room. Attendees will enjoy music, bingo, food, and have an opportunity to win door prizes. 

Family Programs

In addition to the individual programs, the Harnett County Public Library will host several family programs throughout the summer. These include:

• Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea | June 23 at 2pm
• NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: If I were a Sea Creature | June 30 at 1pm
• Movie Day: Finding Nemo | July 6 at 2pm
• Jason Jar Aquariums | July 14 at 2pm
• Moana: Interactive Movie | July 16 at 10am
• Didgeridoo Down Under | July 21 at 2pm

Registration is required for most of these summer programs. To view the full list of programs offered this summer, view our 2022 Summer Reading Program brochure.

For more information and/or to register for Harnett County Public Library programs, visit harnett.org/library or call 910-893-3446.