JACKSON COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES ANNOUNCES SUMMER READING PROGRAM Participate in-person or online to win prizes during the “Level Up!” themed program

Medford, Oregon (May 22, 2023)—Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) launches its annual Summer Reading program on Thursday, June 1. The “Level Up!” theme highlights JCLS’s new video game collection and gaming programs. It also encourages participants to “level up” their reading skills or skills in other areas — cooking, crafting, music, and more. Now through August 31, residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in this free program by reading books, attending programs, and earning prizes.
 
“If you have a child in school, the summer reading program is a great way to maintain reading skills and avoid the ‘summer slide’ (when reading skills drop over the summer) during break,” said Brystan Strong, Youth Services Coordinator at JCLS. “Parents can model good reading habits by taking part alongside their kids.”
 
"I love this theme so much,” added Carrie Turney Ross, JCLS Area Manager for Outreach & Programs. “JCLS is not just challenging folks to not fall behind. We are challenging everyone to go beyond and level up! That goes for all ages — kids and adults alike.”
 
Participants are eligible for systemwide grand prizes. Winners in the children’s age group will be able to choose between a LEGO kit, a Family Fun Pack for a family of four at the Family Fun Center, or a science kit and membership to a local museum (ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum, The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, Crater Rock Museum, etc.). Teen winners will choose between Switch Lite Bundle, Escape Room for four, or an Astral Games gift card. Adult prize options include a gift certificate to a local spa, a Rogue Valley Zipline Adventure, and a Family Fun Center gift certificate. Additionally, each branch will award prizes for all age groups.
 
To participate, register through the Beanstack app at jcls.beanstack.org. Participants can use the app to record books read or minutes spent reading to earn virtual badges and real-world prizes. Paper reading logs are also available at branches.
 
The Summer Reading Program includes engaging in-person and virtual programs for patrons of all ages. Visit jcls.libcal.com to view the program calendar and register for events.
The 2023 Summer Reading sponsors include the Kenneth A. and Lucille D. Hulburt Fund and the Friends of the Jackson County Libraries. For more information, contact your local branch library or visit jcls.org.
 
 
Image: JCLS Summer Reading Level Up! Logo
 
About Jackson County Library Services:
The JCLS mission is to connect everyone to information, ideas, and each other. With 15 branches throughout the County, JCLS offers in-person and virtual programs, Take & Make kits, At Home Services for patrons who cannot come to the library, Outreach to Child Care, free internet access, 24-hour online resources, and a staff of experts. Patrons can browse the online catalog and curated staff booklists, subscribe to the Library Connect blog, and use readers advisory resources via an online form called JCLS Discovery. Learn more at jcls.org.
 
Media Contact:
Ryan Bradley, Marketing Manager | rbradley@jcls.org | 541.734.3916