Over the past decade, children have read “for others” during the Sanibel Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program. The great thing about the program is participants earn books for their personal collection, and for patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Since its inception in 2012, readers have helped to contribute more than 12,000 books to the hospital. New books are needed every year because books are given to young patients to take home. This summer as in year’s past, babies through sixth grade will earn books (and more). Teens can earn volunteer time when they read a book and write a book review, thus gaining the ever-needed service hours.
For those who are traveling this summer, the Library’s eShelf offers a great selection of eBooks and audiobooks (in several languages) for readers of all ages. The Reading for Others program runs from June 3 through July 29, 2023. Locals and visitors are welcome to participate.
In-person programs for elementary-aged programs are planned for (most) Tuesday afternoons, with Storytimes for younger children on Wednesday mornings this summer. Family-friendly feature films will be shown in the Library on Monday afternoons. Some school-aged programs include a visit from Sanibel Firefighters, mollusks from Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, a mammal program with live bats, Master Storyteller Windell Campell, C.R.O.W., and more.
SPL’s Megan Willis says, “I am really looking forward to meeting more families and can’t wait to start the summer reading program! Many exciting presenters are booked, including the Didgeridoo Down Under music program and the robot ‘dog’ from Lee County Sherriff’s Office.”
Teens and ’tweens (grades 6 to 12) can look forward to Thursday evening programs including an escape room, potluck, craft programs, and trivia. Read the full summer schedule online at the Library’s calendar at www.sanlib.org.
The Sanibel Public Library Foundation, along with the Joan Hunt Cory Children’s Fund,, underwrites the annual summer reading program. The Children’s Fund was established in 2008 to honor longtime library volunteer and supporter Joan Hunt Cory. Margaret Mohundro, Library Executive Director says, “We are appreciative to the Library Foundation for supporting the summer reading program,” she adds, “I think earning of books for Golisano patients is an example of the wonderful generosity of Islanders and continues their giving legacy.”
Sanibel Public Library offers in-person programs including tech help and children’s programs. The Library’s public online calendar has the most up-to-date information about programs for all ages.
Sanibel Public Library cards are available to all residents of Sanibel and Lee County, Florida, at no charge. You must present your valid driver’s license (or similar government ID) to staff, showing your current Lee County address. Visitor cards are available for a $10 fee and are good for one year.
