Books-N-Cream keeps kids reading in summer, starts July 6

A Muhlenberg County summer tradition is returning next month, when Books-N-Cream kicks off on July 6. The popular summer reading program will be held virtually again this year, with participants driving through at Muhlenberg North Middle School to pick up reading materials and give-aways.

The program encourages kids from birth to fifth grade and parents to keep reading throughout the summer months, said program coordinator Vicki Yonts. “We’re going to be giving them several books this year,” Yonts said. The kick-off on July 6 will include three books, with additional books given away at each of the following meet-ups on July 8, 13, and 15.

The theme this year is “Books-N-Cream goes to Muhlenberg County Fair” and through a partnership with the fair board, those who achieve 600 or more minutes of reading will receive an armband for free entry and rides at the fair on July 15. This averages out to 30 minutes of reading each day during Books-N-Cream.

Each of the meet-ups will be a chance for youngsters to receive free books and treats. The July 6 date will feature free corn dogs, July 8 will feature free cotton candy, on July 13 participants will get free ice cream, to go along with the county fair theme.

On July 15, there will be a celebration for the end of Books-N-Cream, held at the fair at 5:30 p.m. The child who read the most minutes will be recognized at that event. Participants will be given supplies to create a poster with the theme “I love reading”, which will be on display at the fair.

In 2019, the program hosted 618 children, Yonts said. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the program was scaled back last year to include only drive-through events. This year, with the pandemic waning, Yonts said she felt it was still too early to have 60 to 70 youngsters gathered together to read and play, as the program had been done prior to last year. She hopes 2022 will return the program to an in-person celebration of reading.

The program is sponsored by SOAR, which is the early childhood development arm of the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation, as well as the Muhlenberg County Fair Board and Save the Children. The program has many partners who donate funds or items for Books-N-Cream.