Surely everyone’s imaginations have been put to use over these last several months as we sought an escape from the unnerving times.

We probably disappeared to tropical islands, imagined a new career or even journaled about the future. So as summer approaches, it’s only fitting that the Novi Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is appropriately themed “Imagine Your Story.”

There’s no better escape than a good book, one that captures your attention and has you flying through the pages. For Library Director Julie Farkas, summer is her favorite time to read and she has instilled that same love in her children. The love for summer reading doesn’t just come from a good story, but also from the benefits an active mind has when school returns in the fall.

“I always told my children when they were younger that in the summer it is a time to relax because we know that is the norm,” she said. “But I also told them if you did too much relaxing then cobwebs would grow in your brain, but if you continue to read then you keep those cobwebs away.”

Data shows that summer reading programming motivates children, helps develop positive attitudes about reading, books and the library, gives them access to experiences that further their sense of discovery and allows them to participate in activities where they learn to work cooperatively.

No one does Summer Reading programming better than the Novi Public Library. The eight-week program runs from June 22 to August 15. The full schedule and prizes are still being finalized, but be sure to check out novilibrary.org in the coming weeks. Registration for the program along with tracking your books can all be done online.

More than 2,500 people participated in the 2019 Summer Reading Program, a number Farkas hopes continues to grow. She said they have seen a “surge” in the number of adults and believes summer is the perfect time to explore all the Novi Public Library has to offer.

“It’s a whole different vibe in the summer because people aren’t as busy with all the demands from school and extracurricular activities,” she said. “They have that extra free time to connect with us and engage in great programming and great books.

“I absolutely love it because it shows our community making an effort to read and connect with us in the summer.”

However, reading isn’t just about books. The library is home to a variety of other resources like Lynda.com (an online learning tool with over 15,000 topics), Pronunciator (for learning a new language online) and CreativeBug (over 1,000 crafting ideas with video tutorials).

Let’s not forget about the iCube either, a new makerspace that allows for people of all skill levels to explore their creative side.

Farkas said she is extremely thankful for their partnership with the Novi Community School District, Paradise Park and the Friends of the Novi Public Library because without them the program wouldn’t be as impactful as it is.

“These partners have been consistent champions for NPL’s summer reading program over the years. Without them and their dedication and love to foster reading, we would not be the success we are in our Novi community,” she said.

For more information about Summer Reading, visit novilibrary.org or call 248.349-0720.