Medford, Oregon (June 3, 2024) – Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) is excited to launch its annual summer reading program! The program began on June 1. People of all ages are encouraged to join the fun from June through August. This summer’s theme highlights conservation as a movement and reading as a way to better ourselves.  

“Our Summer Reading Theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat” – but what does that mean? Reading is the obvious part – we want folks to read, and we especially want children to read during the summer so that they can avoid the summer slide and keep reading and comprehension levels between school years. Renew evokes the idea of conservation – but it also makes us think of “self-renewal”. Finally, we have repeat – because we want to provide an experience for our patrons that makes them keep wanting to come back to us,” said Brystan Strong, Programs Coordinator at Jackson County Library Services. 

The annual Beanstack Summer Reading Challenge has begun. To take part, register through the Beanstack app at jcls.beanstack.org. Participants can use the app to record books read or minutes spent reading to earn unique virtual badges. Paper reading logs are also available at branches.  Throughout the summer, JCLS is hosting numerous themed events for all age groups. With everything from learning about bugs to presentations from Wildlife Safari, listening to Australian Didgeridoo performances to learning hands-only CPR with the American Red Cross, a story re-telling contest to a walking challenge! 

If you’re unsure which events to attend or want to see what other exciting events are happening at your local library branch, check out the 2024 Summer Event Guide. This 52-page bilingual guide outlines all the fun activities going on throughout the entire summer, so you don’t have to miss an event. You can also check out our full calendar at jcls.libcal.com.