Summer Starts at EPL
June 22 - August 24, 2024
Embark on an adventure-filled summer with our Summer Starts program! Bursting with opportunities for discovery and growth, this dynamic initiative aims to inspire and empower participants of all ages. Whether you're exploring new books, attending themed events, or unleashing your creativity through hands-on programs, Summer Starts promises a season of exploration, enrichment, and endless possibilities.
Kids who register for the program will receive 2 general admission tickets to K-Days (while supplies last).
Reading Challenge
EPL participates in the TD Summer Reading Club, Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids. For every six hours you read, you'll receive a button (while supplies last) and an entry into the grand prize draw.
Whether you like reading graphic novels, cookbooks or comic books—it all counts!
There are two ways to track and submit your time this year:
- On paper: Visit an EPL branch to pick up a paper copy of the reading log and drop off your ballot for the grand prize draw (attached to the reading log). Need another reading log? Ask staff for one while you're there.
- Online: Can't visit a branch? Enter your time online for every six hours you read. You'll automatically receive an entry into the grand prize draw.
Reading Challenge - TD
More Summer Fun on the TD Summer Reading Club Website
Events
Looking for something fun to do this summer? Attend one of our Summer Starts events at your local branch or online.
Summer Starts - Events
View or Download What's Happening at your Local Branch
- Abbottsfield - Penny McKee - July; August
- Calder, opens a new window - July; August
- Capilano - July; August
- Castle Downs, opens a new window - July; August
- Clareview - July; August
- Heritage Valley - July; August
- Highlands - July; August
- Idylwylde (Bonnie Doon) - July; August
- Jasper Place - July; August
- Lois Hole (Callingwood) - July; August
- Londonderry - July; August
- McConachie - July; August
- Meadows - July; August
- Mill Woods - July; August
- Riverbend - July; August
- Sprucewood - July; August
- Stanley A. Milner (Downtown) - July; August
- Strathcona - July; August
- West Henday Promenade (Lewis Estates) - July; August
- Whitemud Crossing - July; August
- Woodcroft (Westmount) - July; August
Performers
Exploring Aquarium Life with 19 Islands
Dates, Times and Locations:
Description:
Ever wondered about the life that lives at the bottom of the sea? Join us and aquarium experts 19 Islands as we learn about the unique aquatic habitats and the creatures who live at the bottom of the sea. You will see a variety of sea life and learn about them and their role in the sea and in your home aquarium.
19 Islands is a team of bold artists, meticulous technicians, and passionate professionals who believe that nature should be an essential part of our everyday lives, especially in urban communities. Enthusiastic about biodiversity, plants and wildlife, they develop and maintain living walls and aquariums in indoor spaces.
Find the Mascot
Visit your nearest EPL branch each week to find our mascot, Little Dipper. If you find it, tell a staff member and enter your name in a weekly draw to win a free book! Each branch will be giving away one book per week.
More Outdoor Fun
Looking for a fun way to combine reading with physical activity? Visit one of our storywalks this summer and follow along with the book as you follow the path.
The story chosen this year is The Darkest Dark, by Chris Hadfield.
Check back again soon to learn where our storywalks will be located this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Starts - FAQs
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You can pick up your registration package at any EPL location between June 22 and August 24, 2024. The registration package includes:
- A Reading Log to track your reading minutes
- An activity booklet from the TD Summer Reading Club
- A Read and Win bookmark and 2 general admission tickets to K-Days (while supplies last); thank you to Explore Edmonton for providing these items
- A list of recommended reads
- A sticker sheet
The activity booklet is available for school age and pre-school ages. If you require an accessible TD booklet, such as large print, please ask an EPL staff member at your local branch.
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Summer Starts is EPL's annual summer program that includes the popular summer reading challenge, events and guest performances, prizes, and so much more! It runs from June 22 to August 24, 2024.
For every six hours you read, you'll get a button and earn one entry into the grand prize draw to win one of three prizes including:
- Nintendo Switch OLED – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle
- ThinkFun Escape the Room and Chris Hadfield’s autographed book – The Darkest Dark
- ThinkFun Laser Maze and Lego Gear Bots and Gadgets
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Summer Starts at EPL has amazing prizes this year! Here's what you can win:
One of three grand prizes including:
- Nintendo Switch OLED – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle
- ThinkFun Escape the Room and Chris Hadfield’s autographed book – The Darkest Dark
- ThinkFun Laser Maze and Lego Gear Bots and Gadgets
- How to win? Read for six hours. Every six hours means another entry into the draw.
A weekly book prize:
- How to win? Every week visit your nearest EPL location and find our mascot to be entered into a weekly book draw!
A button:
- How to win? Read for six hours! Every six hours means another button.
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Yes!
Summer Starts at EPL has a mix of events and performers happening at all of our branches throughout the summer. Check out our website or drop by any branch for more information.
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The TD Summer Reading Club is a nationally sponsored campaign that encourages children to read throughout the summer. Thousands of libraries across Canada (including EPL) participate. Visit tdsummerreadingclub.ca for more great activities, eBooks and content to stay busy all summer long!
Have a Question?
Fill out a form or chat directly with staff.
