McHenry County libraries’ summer reading programs are packed with fun and prizes for all ages.

By Linda Price

Joan Phillips, a Crystal Lake retiree, recently went on a cruise, and like many of us, sought books for leisure during her trip. But there was one problem: they took up too much space in her carry-on. An avid reader, Phillips opted to leave her favorite reads at home and instead loaded her mp3 player with audiobooks. Her fascination with audiobooks doesn’t end there — she is also among many residents who enjoy logging the minutes they “listen to books” for prizes through the Crystal Lake Public Library’s Summer Reading Program (SRP).

SRPs and summer reading clubs (SRCs) have come a long way since they began in the 1890s. Originally developed to keep children’s reading skills sharp during summer break, today’s programs have changed with the times, which means the whole family — from grandparents like Phillips to infants — benefits from SRPs.

“Reading is fun and fun is for everyone,” said Cynthia Lopuszynski, head of Adult Services at Crystal Lake Public Library. “It is important that adults model desired behavior. We want children to see their parents, grandparents and other adults reading and, more importantly, enjoying it.”

Many SRPs and SRCs offer something for the infant “read-to-me” reader all the way through senior citizens. The related games, prizes and programs reflect the continuum of readers. Prizes range from bicycles for elementary school children to dinner certificates or gift certificates to resorts for adults.

The way to earn points for prizes also reflects modern technology. At some libraries, children and adults can log hours not only by reading books, graphic novels and even e-mail, but they can also earn points by listening to audiobooks and Playaways (pre-loaded digital audio players).

And in this economy, SRPs and SRCs provide free entertainment and incentives for those in the county whose budgets have tightened.

Many McHenry County libraries are using the Illinois Library Association’s 2009 theme, “Read on the Wild Side!” Check out the programs and clubs in your town.

Algonquin Area Public Library District’s SRP’s theme captures the Wild West with “Reading on the Range.” The program kicks off with “Yodelin’ and Trick Ropin’” at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. June 13 at the main library (2600 Harnish Dr., registration required) and 1 p.m. at the Eastgate branch (115 Eastgate Drive, drop in). The program has something for all ages this summer, including drop-in reading and movies. Algonquin library cardholders can register in person at the library. The program ends August 10. Call 847-458-6060 for more.

Cary Area Public Library District’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” Registration begins June 6 and ends July 18. The program runs from June 6 through August 1 and is for all ages. Special programs include the Illinois Raptor Center featuring birds of prey; Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles; and Amigurumi crochet classes. Prizes include a raffle for a DS Lite for grades 4-6, and vendor food and activity coupons for all ages. All finishers receive a paperback book. Patrons can register online at www.carylibrary.info or in person at the library (1606 Three Oaks Road).

Crystal Lake Public Library’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” Early registration begins on June 1 and the program begins on June 15 and runs through August 8. The program is for all ages. Special programs include a visit by David Stokes, an award-winning naturalist who uses live creatures, animal artifacts, songs, stories and humor for a “hands-on” learning experience. Martin Riccardo, author of “Liquid Dreams of Vampires,” will also present “The Wild Side of Vampires.” Prizes include a chance to “spin-to-win” for small prizes. Participants also have the opportunity to win larger prizes from bicycles to tickets to Ravinia, and merchant certificates including a $50 Visa card. >> Register in person at the library (126 Paddock St.) or online at www.crystallakelibrary.org. Call 815-459-1687 for more.

Fox River Grove Memorial Library’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” and is designed for all ages. Special programs include “The Funny Famous and Ferocious Animals of Children’s Literature Magic Show” held in conjunction with Cary Library. The library is also offering “Cartooning with V.G. Myers.” The Summer Reading Program will culminate with a picnic at Lions Park. Prizes include incentives from local business and embroidered patches. Call 847-639-2274 for more.

Harvard Diggins Library, which celebrates it centennial this year, is offering an SRC — “Read on the Wild Side!” — to ages two to 12. Registration begins June 15 to library members. The library will feature a guest speaker and his snakes and amphibians, worm races, an exotic animal show, crafts, story time and weekly prizes for reaching reading goals. The club, which ends July 19, will close with a family pool party. Visit the library at 900 East McKinley St. or call 815-943-4671 for more information.

Huntley Area Public Library’s SRP theme is “Around the World in 60 Days: A Summer Reading Journey” and is designed for all ages. Special programs include Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, Lightning Thief, and the SRP will wrapup with storyteller LaRon Williams. Prizes include a special raffle for a one-night stay at the African Queen Suite at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, including six guest passes to the water park. Patrons can register for all programs in person at children’s desk (11000 Ruth Road) or by calling 847-669-5386, ext. 26. Visit www.huntleylibrary.org for more.

Johnsburg Public Library’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” The program is designed for ages two through adult. Special programs include the Wildlife of Illinois presented by the McHenry County Conservation District, a monkey program and “On the Wild Side Magic” with Tim Adamz. Prizes for the program include a zoo-themed basket with money for a family to go to the zoo, a gift card for a family to enjoy “wild side” bowling, and a number of other prizes. For more information, call 815-344-0077 or visit the library at 3000 N. Johnsburg Road. 

McHenry Public Library’s SRP theme for early and junior readers is “Be Creative @ Your Library.” For teens, it is “Express Yourself @ Your Library” and the adult theme is “Master the Art of Reading @ Your Library.” The kickoff is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 in the library’s warehouse, and will feature games, prizes, entertainment, face painting and free snow cones. Grand prizes include a “Be Creative” gift box for early readers, a digital camera package for junior readers, a flip video camera for teens, and for adults, overnight getaways and gift certificates. SRP ends July 17. For more information, visit the library at 809 Front St. or call 815-385-0036.

Nippersink Public Library’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” and is designed for all ages. The program runs from June 6 through June 25. Special programs include Dave Dynamo’s Traveling World of Reptiles, Illinois Erdmann Read’s on the Wild Side and Hoffmann’s Kingdom of Animals. Prizes include guest passes and gift certificates from local merchants and area libraries. The library will hold a raffle for a Nintendo DS donated by First National Bank of McHenry and a birthday party donated by Grand Slam USA in Spring Grove. For more information, call 815-678-4014, visit the library at 5418 Hill Road in Richmond. 

Woodstock Public Library’s SRP theme is “Read on the Wild Side!” and is for participants ages six months through adult. Special events include folk songs and festivities including face painting with Reid Miller, Wild about Thomas the Train, Snake Spectacular and Tame the Beast, a production at the Woodstock Opera House, in which participants can earn tickets through the SRP. Children in the program can earn “jungle coins” for each half hour they read. They can use coins to purchase small items at the library’s Safari Stand store. For more information, please call 815-228-0542, visit the library at 414 W. Judd St.