“Fizz, Boom, Read!” this Summer at Cobb Libraries

The 2014 Summer Reading Program began on June 1 and ends on July 31, with an end-of-summer reading celebration on Saturday, August 2 at 5 pm at the Switzer Library. The library system has scheduled over 800 programs and activities this summer to celebrate reading and to encourage the development of lifelong literacy skills.

The collaboration launched last year between the Cobb County School District and the Cobb County Public Library System has grown to include the Smyrna Public Library and Marietta City Schools.

Summer Reading Program kick-off events include: 

· The Cobb County Public Library System will host a Cobb GEMS: Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science workshop for girls ages 13-18, starting June 3. For information, visit www.cobbcat.org/gems.

· Family Night: Jump over the Moon with the Chick-fil-A Cow at West Cobb Regional Library on Monday, June 2, 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

· Ornamental Herbs and Vertical Gardening at the Mountain View Regional Library, is Saturday, June 7, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The class by Master Gardener Heidi Owen will cover herbs that grow well in Georgia and how to grow them in small spots.

· Friday Film Fest at East Cobb Library will feature screening of literary classics turned into blockbuster films starting June 6 at 2 p.m. for seven consecutive Fridays, except the July 4 holiday.

Information about these events, including registration requirements, and others planned throughout the summer can be found at www.cobbcat.org/calendar.

The Summer Reading Program is about more than just fun events: everyone is also encouraged to read all summer long. Themes for 2014 program are:

· Children, from birth to 5th grade: “Fizz, Boom, Read!”

· Middle and high school students: “Spark a Reaction”

· Adults: “Literary Elements”

Children from birth to 5th grade should visit their local Cobb County Public Library System location to register to participate in the Summer Reading Program and to pick up their reading log (online registration is available here: http://bit.ly/1srmGGI). Children who participate in the summer reading program and return their reading log before July 31 will receive a free book, courtesy of the Cobb Library Foundation (while supplies last).

Adults and young adults in grades 6-12 are encouraged to submit book reviews to enter the drawings for prizes. Forms can be picked up at the branches or online at www.cobbcat.org/srp.

Prizes for 2014 include an iPad courtesy of Cobb EMC, a Kindle Fire HD courtesy of Manning Properties, and free pizza courtesy of Stevi B’s. Children also have opportunities to win free Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks tickets. For more information on the growing list of giveaways and prizes, please visit www.cobbcat.org/srp.

To offer a wide variety of programs for the public, the library system has partnered with several organizations, including Cobb County PARKS; Cobb County Extension; Cobb County Police Department; the Civil War Center at Kennesaw State University; and the National Park Service. Sponsorship for the program has been provided by the Cobb Library Foundation.

Summer is a great time for everyone to sign up for a library card. For information on how to obtain a Cobb County Public Library System card, please visit www.cobbcat.org/library-card. Cobb County Public Library cards are free to all Cobb County residents.