Summer Reading

Great fun awaits the entire family this year as we begin another season of Summer Reading. Children, teens and adults are all invited to join in one of the most beloved Library traditions. (View the promotional video below.)

This year’s general theme reflects an emphasis on world culture, (“One World, Many Stories” for children, “You Are Here” for teens, and “Novel Destinations” for adults).

One World, Many Stories

All the fun starts with our big kickoff celebration set for June 11th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Spring Street outside of Central Library. This year’s featured performer is local favorite The Healing Force. There will also be skits by the Youth Services staff and lots of activities for the kids including face painting and arts and crafts. There will be door prizes including your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

The featured performer for children is the Bright Star Touring Theatrewho will perform either “Aesop’s Fables” or “African Folktales” at Central Library and all branch libraries throughout June and July. View the complete schedule.

Some of the other programs scheduled at various branches include: Fish the Magish, The Balloon Lady, The Healing Force’s Drumming Circle, a program presented by the North Carolina Zoo, The Iara Kendrick Balinese Puppet Show featuring “The Monkey and the Boar, Tina Smith from Wake Forest University’s Museum of Anthropology’s and her program “Many Voices,” Mako Aoki a Japanese outreach program presented by Mako Aoki, Sharon Clarke “The Story Lady” plus a Zumba Class.Many of the programs listed above will be at multiple locations. Check the calendar for your local library for dates and times.

Also, Central Library will show a “Harry Potter” movie each week leading up to the premiere of the final Harry Potter movie in theatres on July 15th.

Things to Remember

  • Everyone who completes a Summer Reading log sheet will receive a gift bag with coupons from local businesses, while supplies last.
  • The dates to collect summer reading prizes are June 27th – July 2nd (First Prize dates), July 25 – July 30th (Second Prize dates)
  • Each branch will hold a drawing for a $20 gift certificate to a local book store. There will be separate drawings for children and teen participants.
  • Reading logs are available at any library location.
  • Recommended reading lists will be available starting June 11th
  • The Summer Reading kickoff is June 11th at Central from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
  • Harry Potter movies each week at Central leading up to the close of Summer Reading on July 30th.

The Library would like to thank the following local businesses for their sponsorship of Summer Reading: The Children’s Museum , SciWorks, Sonic Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, Dewey’s Bakery, CiCi’s Pizza, Dollywood and Sheetz.