FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2023
SummerQuest Program Starts June 1 at York County Libraries
As Schools Wrap Up, Libraries Gear Up to Keep Kids Learning
YORK, PA – The annual York County Libraries “All Together Now” SummerQuest program starts Thursday, June 1, at library locations countywide. Geared to children and teens from birth to 18, the free program features a variety of educational and cultural enrichment opportunities, books, entertainment, and outdoor activities.
“As we gear up for the summer break, I want to highlight the importance of SummerQuest and the immense value of reading for children. This fantastic program encourages young minds to keep learning and exploring through the power of books during their time off from school,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “Reading fuels creativity and imagination and plays a crucial role in developing cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and language proficiency. By participating in YCL’s SummerQuest program, children can discover new worlds and cultures, enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, improve academic performance, and strengthen memory and concentration.”
According to York County Libraries Interim Youth Services Director Paula Gilbert, libraries across the county have planned hundreds of unique events and activities for youth. Participants are encouraged to log 800 minutes of reading or activity time throughout the summer. The program also features opportunities to earn a scout badge, go to the planetarium, and hike 30 GO, York! trails at local parks.
Thanks to the generous support of The York Water Company, WellSpan Health, and The GIANT Company, the SummerQuest program is provided free of cost to participants. Additionally, many local businesses donate prizes to encourage kids to keep reading and stay active over the summer months.
Online registration for SummerQuest starts Sunday, May 14, at yorklibraries.org/summerquest. In-library registration, and the first day to pick up registration packets, is Thursday, June 1, at all 13 YCL locations. SummerQuest kickoff celebrations are planned at libraries during the first two weeks in June. They include events at Paul Smith Library of Southern York County, Kreutz Creek Library, and Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock on Saturday, June 3; Martin Library on Sunday, June 4; Red Land Community Library on Thursday, June 8; and Guthrie Memorial Library, Collinsville Community Library, and Dillsburg Area Public Library on Saturday, June 10. For details about the kickoff events and additional SummerQuest activities, go to yorklibraries.org/events.
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and electronic information, best sellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and more. Their librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, providing opportunities and resources for all ages. Early childhood literacy programs ignite a love of reading and learning in young children and empower parents as their children’s first teachers.
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Sidebar
SummerQuest Kickoff Events
As schools wrap up for the year, York County Libraries are gearing up to keep kids learning and having fun all summer long. Hundreds of free activities are planned, including the following SummerQuest kickoff events. A full listing of SummerQuest activities can be found at yorklibraries.org/events.
Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Paul Smith Library of Southern York County
80 Constitution Ave
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
(717) 235-4313
Start summer off with a POP! Join the fun in front of the library for popsicles, popcorn and popping giant bubbles! Participants can pick up SummerQuest registration materials, play yard games, and more.
Saturday June 3, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Kreutz Creek Library
66 Walnut Springs Road
York, PA 17406
(717) 252-4080
Celebrate the start of YCL’s ‘All Together Now’ SummerQuest for children and teens with a Kindness Story Time, featuring PA State Representative Joe D’Orsie and guests at 10:30 am. Pick up your SummerQuest registration materials and explore our craft stations and outside activities.
Saturday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock
32 Main St.
Glen Rock, PA 17327
(717) 235-1127
Kick off the summer in Glen Rock on Saturday, June 3rd, at the town’s Arts & Brew Fest. Outside the library, participate in the Safe Kid’s Water Watcher program to practice water safety and create bubble art! Go inside to cool off and register for this summer’s “All Together Now” SummerQuest program for all toddlers, children, and teens. Take time for a story every half-hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 4, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Martin Library
159 E. Market St., York, PA 17401
(717) 846-5300
The Martin Library 2023 Block Party and SummerQuest Kickoff event is presented by The Maple Press Company. Philadelphia-based Music Play Patrol’s Miss Shannon will show children and families how to create music using ordinary buckets from 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Students from the library’s YCL Teens BeatWay Studio will provide DJ services throughout the event, and children and teens, from birth to 18, can register for the “All Together Now” SummerQuest program. Food trucks will be available on Market Street for those interested in purchasing food.
Thursday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Red Land Community Library
70 Newberry Commons
Etters, PA 17319 United States
(717) 938-5599
Kids and teens can join the fun at Red Land Community Library’s SummerQuest Kickoff Celebration. The event includes the Groovy Bus photo booth, painting kindness rocks, and professional family photos from11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meet 4-H friends and their animals from 1:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and make a button in the evening.
Saturday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Guthrie Memorial Library
2 Library Place
Hanover, PA 17331
(717) 632-5183
Celebrate the start of SummerQuest along with the 2nd Saturday events of Hanover. The library has planned lots of fun activities for children to enjoy. They include therapy dogs, York County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit and fingerprinting, face painting, a balloon artist, Karaoke, the Texas Roadhouse Armadillo, and Hanover Fire, Police, and Ambulance. Activities will be in the Courtyard, back parking lot and Children’s Library.
Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Collinsville Community Library
Brogue, PA 17309 United States
(717) 927-9014
Come see the large and unusual vehicles of our community and meet the people who drive them! People of all ages are welcome. The rain date is Saturday, June 17.
Saturday, June 10, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Dillsburg Area Public Library
204 Mumper Lane
Dillsburg, PA 17019
(717) 432-5613
Participants will get a wee bit of international flair when picking up their SummerQuest registration packets at Dillsburg Library’s first summer concert of 2023. The festivities include making a Celtic craft to wear at the evening’s performance by Across the Pond.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
[email protected]