Calling all super readers! Cleveland Public Library is celebrating a major Cleveland READS milestone with a fun outdoor celebration.
“We did it, Cleveland! Thanks to you, Cleveland READS has surpassed its one million minutes goal. Clevelanders have read more than 2.8 million minutes since the launch of the reading challenge in January, and we’re not done yet,” remarks Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “This milestone is an example of what a city can do when it works together.”
To mark the milestone, join us at the Cleveland READS Super Summer Celebration on Friday, May 12 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Public Square. The graphic-novel-themed event has something for everyone. Roller skate through the square, visit one of the tasty food trucks, and dance to live music and DJ sets by Cleveland’s own 8-year-old DJ Lily Jade. Attendees will receive FREE books and toys, including Play-Doh sets, Squishmallows, board games, and more, in partnership with Goods Bank NEO.
Be sure to enter our raffles to take home great prizes! Prizes include Chromebooks, earbuds, passes to Kalahari, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, or tickets to the Disney Immersive Experience, courtesy of Lighthouse Immersive Group. Plus, there will be an extra special raffle for 2 tickets to see Lizzo the very same night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse!
There’s also a meet-and-greet and Storytime with Jerry Craft, author and illustrator of the New Kid and School Trip. “Comic books and graphic novels get young readers really excited to read, while also striking up nostalgia with adults who associate the format with beloved superheroes and characters,” said Erica Marks, Sr. Director of Outreach and Programming Services at Cleveland Public Library.
The Cleveland READS Super Summer Celebration is also the kick-off to Summer Lit League, Cleveland Public Library’s summer reading program. This year’s theme is All Together Now. Children and adults are encouraged to participate in Cleveland READS and Summer Lit League. Marks adds, “If you work, play, or stay in the city of Cleveland, you’re eligible to join Cleveland READS. All you need to do is pick up a book or listen to your favorite audiobook. And don’t forget to log your reading to win awesome prizes.”
For more information about the Cleveland READS challenge and reading resources, visit clevelandreads.com.