Press Release

May 10, 2010

Ruth Lednicer
(312) 747-4907
lednicer@chipublib.org

Leland Elder
(312) 747-4053
lbelder@chipublib.org

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES ITS 2010 SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
Reading is Art-RAGEOUS for Children & Adults

During the summer months, join the Chicago Public Library for Reading is Art-RAGEOUS, the free, 2010 Summer Reading Programs for children and adults. This year’s programs are presented by the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Library Foundation, in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago.

Children’s Summer Reading Program
Reading is Art-RAGEOUS is an eight-week, drop-in reading program running from June 14 through August 7, designed to encourage the reading of and the enjoyment of books, centered on the theme, “celebrating art and reading every day.” Children and teens, ages 3 to 14 years, are invited to participate in the Summer Reading Program by reading and reporting on books—of their own choice—focused on art. In addition, a host of specially designed, fun-filled children’s programs and contests are scheduled for Reading is Art-RAGEOUS participants to enhance their overall reading experience.

Picture book readers and emerging readers (those who are being read aloud to) who complete 25 books and children reading chapter books who complete 10 books receive a t-shirt with the program logo. Moreover, children can win paperback books during weekly raffles. All readers receive a certificate at the end of the program; and all readers and their families will be invited to attend “Reader’s Night at the Art Institute of Chicago.”

Summer reading programs are an important way to keep children reading during summer vacation. Studies have shown that children who participate in summer reading programs maintain or improve their reading skills. Last year 50,255 children read more than 1,186,803 books as part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Some of this year’s children’s art and reading programs include:

• The Ancient Art of Chinese Paper-Cutting featuring hands-on demonstrations by the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute.
• Art Through the Ages…A Tribute to the Last Millennium featuring a theatrical tour of great art and artists by Kidworks Touring Theater.
• Framing Your Stories, an imaginative art-themed puppet show featuring Marilyn Price.
• Art-RAGEOUS Sketching Workshops offering hands-on art workshops with artist Steve Musgrave.
• Jump Into Art, features stories and music celebrating the Art Institute’s greatest works, presented by Betsy Means.
• Stories with Art and Soul, features stories and music honoring well-known and unique artists, presented by Gwen Hilary and Enoch Williamson.

Summer Reads for Adults
Reading is Art-RAGEOUS: Summer Reads for Adults is the fourth annual summer reading program designed especially for adult readers. The program runs from June 1 through August 31, and incorporates the same “celebrating art and reading every day” theme so all family members can read books, participate in programs and together hold family discussions.

Reading is Art-RAGEOUS: Summer Reads for Adults helps adult readers develop a profound understanding of visual arts by reading interesting books about art and artists and by joining in on a number of fun, informative programs that will elevate their enjoyment of art.

Adult participants are invited to attend the variety of programs including:

• Discussions and lectures by Peter Sellars, Faith Ringgold, Dirk Lohan, James Cuno and others.
• Gallery Talks at the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Art tours at the Harold Washington Library Center.
• Chinese Calligraphy demonstrations.
• A Digital Art and Graphic Design Workshop.

Both Reading is Art-RAGEOUS Summer Reading Programs are supported by the Chicago Public Library Foundation and presented in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago. Additional sponsors include the Dr. Scholl Foundation, Kraft Foods Foundation, Citadel Foundation, Cubs Care, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, Macy’s Foundation, ComEd, Helen M. Harrison Foundation, Chicago Sun-Times, R.R.Donnelley, Leo Burnett and the Chicago White Sox.

The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology.

The Chicago Public Library is comprised of the Harold Washington Library Center, two regional libraries and more than 70 neighborhood branches. All locations provide free access to a rich collection of books, DVDs, audio books and music; the Internet and WiFi; sophisticated research databases, many of which can be accessed from a home or office computer; newspapers and magazines; and continue to serve as cultural centers, presenting the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults.

The Harold Washington Library Center, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library and Conrad Sulzer Regional Library are open 7 days a week, the branch libraries are open 6 days a week and patrons can access all of the Library’s collections online 24 hours a day. For more information, please visit the website at chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library Press Office at (312) 747-4050.