📖 Orange County Library System kicks off summer events, reading challenge and activities to keep kids, adults learning

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As summer kicks off for Central Florida students, so do concerns parents have about learning loss, also known as the “summer slide.”

The Orange County Library System has a variety of classes, activities and a reading challenge to keep kids and students entertained and learning.

Noah Toribio is 3 years old and he likes to read with his family.

They spend their summers visiting different OCLS branches.

“The main reasons are that it’s indoors and it’s free,” Michael Toribio said. “As young parents it can be stressful financially to do things with your kids so it’s a good way to have something to do that’s open to the public and you don’t have to worry about the dollars you’re spending.”

Michael even documents his adventures with his kids through videos on social media. Visits to the library go beyond the books on the shelves.

“Last year they had someone who brought animals in and gators. There were wild lizards, we had a magician and the kids loved it,” Michael said.

“It keeps them engaged and active and interested in continuing that learning process through books or guest speakers throughout the summer,” Melanie Toribio said.

Along with different events and classes, OCLS is kicking off a summer reading challenge for kids and adults.

You can enter to win a prize by reading 600 minutes this summer using a digital or paper tracker. Once you’ve reached the goal, you’re entered to win one of dozens of prizes including art kits, Lego sets, a Yodo Player, gift cards and more.

“As a library system, we want to support all of our young learners to make sure they keep reading throughout the summer so that when they start the new school year, they haven’t lost any of the learning they gained,” said Youth Services Manager Silence Bourne.

Click HERE to learn more about OCLS’ summer programs. They are free with your OCLS library card.