Don’t hate me for writing this, but as July comes to a close, that means the new school year is nigh and summer (gasp!) is coming to an end. I can see you’re wincing, but let me ease the pain a bit. There’s still time to finish your summer reading. To finish the summer with a bang. To turn in your summer reading logs AND WIN AWESOME PRIZES.

Everyone loves prizes, and what better way to finish the summer than with cool stuff that didn’t cost you a dime? Here’s the details. Turn in your summer reading logs by Saturday, August 4th and here’s what you get:

- KIDS get to pick a small toy from our prize basket, a free pass to the Cecil County Fair, free coupons for Taco Bell/KFC, Sonic, and Subway, plus a chance to win a new bike, Orioles tickets, a Basket of Fun, or a family 4 pack to the Maryland Science Center.

- TEENS get Taco Bell/KFC coupons, a free pass to the Cecil County Fair, plus a chance to win $25 and $50 iTunes cards, $25 and $50 Regal Cinema gift cards, an all-inclusive Paintball game for four, 8 tickets to see an Orioles game (August 6th), or $50 and $100 Visa cards.

- ADULTS get a chance to win an array of prizes: a $35 Visa gift card, Redner’s gift cards, day passes for the YMCA, a Vera Bradley bag, and a bundle of books.

If you’ve read a ton this summer, you can fill out multiple reading logs and get even more chances to win.  And if you didn’t sign up for summer reading yet, you can still do that too! You can turn in logs to any branch (please note that the Rising Sun Branch is closing August 1st for renovations).

What summer reading prize are you most hoping to win?

Are you craving funnel cakes, spinning rides, and cool prizes? It’s that time of year – get ready to journey to the Cecil County Fair, July 20-28 at the fairgrounds. After you’ve cruised the ag barns and viewed the prize-winning 4H entries (and maybe sampled a few deep-fried Oreos), be sure to stop by the Cecil County Public Library booth. We give away free books for all ages, plus we offer fun contests and a craft for the kids. This year’s booth highlights the Smithsonian’s exhibit “Journey Stories” and the many programs that will be offered at Cecil County Public Library through October.

July 23 is Children’s Day at the Fair.  At 11 am, bring the kids and enjoy a lively storytime performance on the main stage with our fun and talented staff.

We’re also running a special contest at the Fair this year – you can win restaurant gift certificates to Fair Hill Inn, Daddy-Os, or even local wines from Dove Valley Winery.  To enter, visit our booth at the fair, pick up a Journey Stories postcard and return it to your favorite branch library before August 15th.

What’s your favorite part of the fair?