WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The James V. Brown Library, along with the five other libraries of the Lycoming County Library System, will again participate in the national summer reading program starting in June.
This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities” and encourages families to explore new ideas to become better readers and lifelong learners. The James V. Brown Library will host a summer learning kick-off event from 4-6 p.m. June 3 in the Edwin Street alley. Participants can enjoy art in the alley, prizes and a coupon for a sweet treat.
The National Summer Learning Association has found that “most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement.”
Reading helps a child see their potential. Stop by your local library to participate in “fintastic” summer reading activities and events. The Lycoming County Library System’s information is available at www.summer-reading.org and in a special publication that was published in the Sun-Gazette. Additional copies of the special section will be available at each library.
Nurturing a more literate society is one of five literacies in PA Forward, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association. When leveraged properly, our libraries can help solve some of Pennsylvania’s biggest economic and social problems.
Registration for the James V. Brown Library’s summer reading is ongoing. Call 570-326-0536 for more information or visit calendar.jvbrown.edu for a complete listing of programs.
The Summer Learning Program at the Brown Library is for all ages, with a simple bingo sheet for children ages birth to 5; a school-age bingo sheet for children in grades K-6, and bingo sheet for teens and adults. The bingo sheet can be returned to the library during the Scholastic Book Fair Finale event on August 5-6 where children will receive a free book for their home library, listen to local musicians, and win other fun prizes. Adults can turn in their bingo sheet at any time for an entry to win one of 10 prize baskets that will be on display in the main circulation area.
The James V. Brown Library is open for browsing and holds pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. The library also is open for public computer usage and for services such as printing, faxing, copying and scanning. Walk-in passport services are available. The James V. Brown Library is the 2021 PA Library of the Year.
The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.

