Lambton County Library will kick off its annual Summer Reading Challenge with a free family event on Saturday, June 14 in Victoria Park, Petrolia. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the event marks the launch of this year’s theme, Wild Wonder, which celebrates wildlife through reading and hands-on activities.
The Wild Wonder Launch Party will feature inflatables, face painting, birds of prey, reptile meet-and-greets, crafts, activities, and a live reptile stage show.
"We've created a true wildlife adventure for families to kick off our Summer Reading Challenge," said Vanitia Campbell, Public Services Coordinator, Youth. "This launch party is our biggest yet, offering children the chance to see amazing animals up close while getting excited about reading and learning."
In the event of poor weather, activities will move to the Greenwood Arena. Any venue changes will be announced on the library’s Facebook page (@LCLibraryCA) and website (LCLibrary.ca).
The Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from July 2 to August 15, encourages people of all ages to stay engaged with reading during the summer. Registration is free and available at all Lambton County Library branches or online through Beanstack. Registration kits for ages 0–17 include materials to create earth balls—with instructions in English and Anishinaabemowin—stickers, and a paper animal mask, while supplies last.
“Kids, teens, and adults can participate in the Challenge and enjoy fun activities,” Campbell said. “When families work together on reading goals and activities, kids build and maintain skills and prevent summer learning loss. The Summer Reading Challenge is a great resource with lifelong benefits, and it’s completely free to join.”
Participants can earn prizes throughout the challenge by completing reading and activity milestones. Prize draws include LEGO sets, outdoor gear, and Tourism Sarnia-Lambton gift cards. Children and teens can also earn free books in English or French to build their personal libraries.
For more information, including how to register, activity calendars, reading suggestions and contest details, visit LCLibrary.ca/SRC and follow @LCLibraryCA on Facebook.
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