Summer Break encourages multigenerational fun
Last spring when Charlotte Mecklenburg Library programming staff, the Library Foundation, and Carowinds leadership finalized a Summer Break partnership, we all had high hopes for the collaboration.
Reality has far surpassed all expectations.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Carowinds, this year’s Summer Break participants have an opportunity to earn a free admission to the park by completing the Summer Break program, logging reading time or activities at least 9 out of the 10 weeks, and maintaining a valid library card. Enrollment in the program is much higher than last year, and participants have already logged far more reading and activity hours than they recorded last year. Users report that the website is simple and intuitive to use, and one mother wrote that her children have earned nearly all the digital badges already, and the only one remaining is the much-anticipated Carowinds badge!
We know reading over school vacation helps students avoid an academic “summer slide” in literacy skills. The Summer Break program encourages multigenerational participation, in a fun format that invites all ages to explore the city over summer vacation. Carowinds is a natural partner, and the incentive of a park pass is clearly boosting enthusiasm.
In addition to incentive passes, Carowinds and the Library are celebrating literacy together through a newly launched Library Week at Carowinds. We always knew reading could be thrilling!