The Rowan County Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is now in full swing. This year’s theme is Color Our World and is open to people of all ages. Participants can sign up for the program through June 30 either in person, by phone, or online.
Among the planned events is the Name Our Turtle contest, where people can submit names for the library’s new Morehead Turtle Walk installation. Morgan Mullins, communications manager at the RCPL, said the contest is open to anyone with a library card.
“We’ll stop taking submissions June 30 and then our staff will internally narrow those down to five finalists from all the entries received. We’ll put those out for a public vote and whichever one wins will be announced as part of our summer reading finale,” said Mullins.
Mullins said the colors of the turtle fit the recent rebranding of the library. He added that this virtual event is an effort to encourage locals to utilize RCPL services.
“We want the turtle to be something that our patrons and library users have control over. That’s why we want them to be invested and to be their decisions so that way when they walk past that turtle every day on the way into the library, they’ll know that was a choice they made to call it whatever they want it to be called.”
Other summer reading events include the 2nd annual Community Card Contest to create artwork for the library’s next card. There are also crafting opportunities including sandpaper art, foam painting, friendship bracelets, and more.
Additional updates include the establishment of the RCPL new sensory play area, which was proposed last year. Mullins said they hope to have this room open by July 1.