This summer, children and teens are invited to participate in the Summer Reading Programs at Robeson County Public Library. The theme for children is “Dream Big — Read!” and the theme for teens is “Own the Night.” The Summer Reading Programs are scheduled from June 11 through Aug. 3.
The “Dream Big — Read!” program is designed for preschool through fifth-grade students. Children will enjoy programs on dreams and wishes, nocturnal animals, night adventures, spooky creatures, and of course, a pajama day. Children will keep track of how many hours they read during the program. Reading goals will be based on grade level. A short story contest with the theme “I Dreamed …” will give children an opportunity to practice creative writing skills during their summer vacation.
The program will be held the following days at the following times: Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in Maxton and 4 p.m. in Red Springs; Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in Pembroke and 4 p.m. in Rowland; Thursdays at 11 a.m. in Fairmont; and Fridays at 11 a.m. in St. Pauls and 2 p.m. in Lumberton. Programs are free and registration begins at all libraries on May 28.
Joy the Clown with Magical and Unforgettable Moments will entertain the children at our kick-off event on June 11 at 10 a.m. in Pembroke and 2 p.m. in Lumberton at the Osterneck Auditorium. Fish the Magish will treat the kids to a magic show at the finale on Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. in Lumberton at the Osterneck Auditorium and 2 p.m. in Pembroke.
The “Own the Night” program is designed for sixth-grade through 12th-grade students. Teens will have a blast at programs, including dream interpretations, vampires vs. werewolves trivia, a relaxing yoga session, and a murder mystery party. Teens will keep track of how many hours they read during the program in order to reach their reading goal. A short story contest with the theme “It’s a Scream!” will give teens a chance to show-off their writing skills and create a spine-chilling story.
The “Own the Night” program will be held every Thursday at 4 p.m. from June 14 through July 26. The “Own the Night” finale will be held on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. Teens will gather in the library after normal hours for a Teen Zombie Lock-in, where participants will be given a zombie makeover and enjoy zombie themed activities. An “Own the Night” registration party is scheduled for May 31 at 4 p.m. Teens may register at the party or any time the following week.
Complete Summer Reading Program schedules and details are being added to the library’s website at robesoncountylibrary.org. Information may be located on the events calendar, children’s corner page, and the teen page. Check the website regularly for updated information. If you have questions about the Summer Reading Programs, call me at 910-738-4859.
Join us this week for one of the following story times: Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in St. Pauls and 4 p.m. in Red Springs; Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Pembroke and 11 a.m. in Maxton; Thursdays at 10 a.m. in Fairmont and 11 a.m. in Rowland; and Fridays at 10 a.m. in Lumberton. Story times will continue through May 25. There will be no story time programs from May 28 to June 8 while library staff prepare for the Summer Reading Programs.
Katie Huneycutt is the youth services librarian of the Robeson County Public Library. You can reach her at khuneycutt@robesoncountylibrary.org. Katie is currently reading “The Sea of Monsters” by Rick Riordan.







