Discover Summer: Summer Reading
July 10 - July 16
Discover Summer is hitting the books this week! Reading is the classic summer pastime…while swinging in a hammock, relaxing on the beach, or sitting in the shade under a big oak tree. While you may have already read through your personal library at home, the State Library of North Carolina has books and other online resources to keep you reading through the rest of the Summer (and even the rest of the year). Now is the perfect time to learn about North Carolina literature, poetry, and other creative ways our stories are told. Let us know what you discover using the hashtag #DiscoverSummerNC.
Here are seven things you can do to to learn more about North Carolina literature and resources:
- SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES
Libraries across the country have prepared summer reading challenges with the theme: “Oceans of Possibilities.” You’ll find reading lists for children, adults, and everyone in between! The State Library of North Carolina has put together this Adult Summer Reading List of 10 books for the theme. Local libraries in communities across the state have ocean-themed reading challenges, programming and and even prizes for children. Find your local library to join the fun!
The State Library of NC Accessible Books and Library Services also has excellent resources to keep you reading all summer long!
2. MAKE A NORTH CAROLINA ZINE
What’s a zine? A Zine (pronounced “zeen”) is simply a homemade publication — the content is up to you! Basic supplies may include some paper and scissors, followed by whatever you need to make your zine come to life. Use your creativity and imagination to express yourself and your love for North Carolina, including art, photos, poetry and prose, whatever helps tell your story. Here’s where you can learn more.
3. NCKIDS DIGITAL LIBRARY
Have a library card? If you’re in search of more books for the family, NCKids digital library offers Ebooks to check out and read electronically.
4. MY NC FROM A-Z
My NC from A-Z is a colorful storyboard book that celebrates pride of place, creates connections to North Carolina’s rich African American heritage, and teaches children about human equality and social justice. The African American Heritage Commission has more info about the author and illustrator, and the State Library of NC has a companion guide so you can dive more into the subjects featured in the books.
5. WRITE A POEM ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA
From O. Henry in the early 20th century to our current NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, North Carolina has a rich history around poetry. Once you’ve found some inspiration, create your own poem featuring North Carolina. Whether it be haiku or spoken word, use the power of poetry to express yourself. This would also be the perfect thing to add to your North Carolina zine!
6. LEARN A NEW SKILL
The Government and Heritage Library offers online tutorials on everything from African American genealogy to utilizing online search techniques. There’s even resources for national databases such as the Digital Public Library of America. Learn something new from the comfort of home!
7. NORTH CAROLINA AUTHORS AND NOVELS
North Carolina has inspired many authors over the years. You can read their works, visit their homes, and see the places that inspired them. In your summer reading, perhaps you’d like to include a book by a North Carolina author, or a novel with a story that takes place in North Carolina. This UNC University Library blog has an extensive compilation of these authors and titles to get you started. If you’d like to find a book set in a specific NC location or by an author with a specific geographic connection, check out this searchable literary map presented by the State Library and UNC-Greensboro’s University Libraries.
Another option is to read your way through North Carolina via the NC Literary Trails. Following along with any of three guidebooks, (Literary Trails of the North Carolina Mountains, Literary Trails of the North Carolina Piedmont and Literary Trails of Eastern North Carolina), residents and out-of-state visitors can explore North Carolina while reading literature from our state’s finest writers.
