The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to announce the launch of the SPARK Summer Learning Program, a fun-filled initiative that celebrates the joy of learning and discovery. From June 1 to July 31, individuals of all ages are invited to participate in this engaging program that combines science, play, arts, reading, and knowledge (SPARK).
The SPARK Summer Learning Program aims to promote literacy and provide an opportunity to earn prizes by reading and completing activities. Participants can track their progress using the Beanstack app or pick up a tracking sheet at any ACPL branch. With a wide range of activities and challenges, the program ensures that there is something for everyone.
"Summer at the Library is an exciting, energizing time," said Youth Services Manager Jacki Fulwood. "Children and families find a wealth of opportunities to read, learn, and discover in all of our library locations. This season brings so many moments to capture imaginations and celebrate learning in a safe and affirming environment."
This year's theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library," focuses on encouraging participants to embark on exciting journeys through books, learning, and exploring the world around them.
The SPARK Summer Learning Program has been a mainstay of the community for many years and is an impactful way that families can keep their children engaged in reading and learning during the summer break. According to Scholastic’s Kids and Family Reading Report, 65% of youth who participated in a summer reading program said it resulted in them reading more than they otherwise would have. The same report listed public libraries as a critical source for books to support summer reading when school libraries are not available.
"A summer learning program engages kids and families outside the classroom. It offers them a chance to follow their own learning interests and develop reading habits with the Library's support in the form of structure and incentives," said Fulwood.
During the ACPL’s 2023 SPARK program, more than 14,000 participants registered and logged more than 7 million minutes of reading over the summer. This resulted in a total of more than 23,000 prizes being distributed. The ACPL also hosted 24,000 attendees at nearly 1300 programs.
The program is made possible through the generous support of the Foellinger Foundation, the Friends of the Allen County Public Library, and the Allen County Public Library Foundation.
In addition to the reading program, the ACPL is partnering with Fort Wayne Community Schools and Blessings in a Backpack to offer free lunch, snacks, and weekend take-home meals at the following locations: Main Library, Georgetown, Hessen Cassel, Little Turtle, Pontiac, Shawnee, Tecumseh, and Waynedale branches.
New this year, the community can show its support by purchasing the official SPARK t-shirt. It features the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” slogan and art and comes in three colors and a variety of sizes. A portion of the shirt sales supports the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Shirts can be purchased at acpl.info/store/spark.
The SPARK Summer Learning Program is free and open to all ages. Participants can find more information online at acpl.info/spark or by visiting any ACPL location.
About the Allen County Public Library
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 125 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 2.7 million items, with a circulation total of 4.2 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 30,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.