The Burlington County System is launching its annual summer reading program with an event that will spotlight the library’s adaptive materials, inclusive spaces and programing for children and adults of all abilities.
The free Summer Fun for Everyone festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the main branch library in Westampton. It will feature inclusive activities for all abilities, along with entertainment, community resources and opportunities for connections.
The event will also showcase the library’s inclusive programming and materials, including sensory-supportive books, interactive resources and adaptive equipment acquired with the assistance of a $13,000 state grant from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Children’s System of Care.
The grant is managed on behalf of the library by the Burlington County Library System Foundation and will help the library system expand its existing programming with Sensory Storytime and Special Needs social hour events. The grant will also fund the purchase of new materials designed to assist children with various disabilities.
Saturday’s kickoff for summer reading is funded through a partnership with the Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, New Jersey’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The center is part of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and promotes inclusion equity and full participation by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Among the activities planned are a sensory-friendly activity zone with tactile play, soft seating, visual supports and quiet areas; inclusive live entertainment, including interactive magic performances by magician Jake Strong and a hands-on musical instrument play zone from Keeping Music Alive; adaptive arts and creativity stations designed for all skill levels and motor abilities; a community resource fair of organizations, disability advocates and family support services; and reading program registration assistance and prizes.
Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo applauded the library system for taking steps to welcome individuals with disabilities and their families.
“As the father of a child with special needs, I know how important it is for them to feel included and part of a community,” he said. “I’m proud of the Burlington County Library System for working with The Boggs Center to expand its inclusive programming and materials.
“The Summer Fun For Everyone event is a fantastic way for families to familiarize themselves with the (library system) and the many resources it offers.”
The kickoff’s resource fair will have representatives from county departments, local organizations and community groups with information about educational programs, disability services and family resources available in the county and region.
There will also be information about the reading program’s activities and reading lists for children to help foster a love of books during summer and beyond.
“Our libraries are important centers of activity all year round, but especially in the summer months when children and families participate in the library reading programs, educational experiences and community events,” said library system director Ranjna Das.
“Summer Fun for Everyone and the summer reading program reflect (the system’s) ongoing commitment to ensure that every community member feels welcomed, supported and included.”
For more information, visit the library system webpage at https://bcls.lib.nj.us/.
Children participate in a summer reading event at the Burlington County Library System’s main branch in Westampton last summer.
