Durham County Library celebrated “A Universe of Stories” during the 2019 Summer Reading season. From June 15 to August 3, 2019, participants of all ages logged their summer reading, earned prizes, and enjoyed library programs focused on astronomy. The kickoff activities began in June, where each library location showcased writing workshops, musical performances, crafts, and space-themed virtual reality tours. Throughout the summer, participants of all ages earned book prizes and vouchers to local businesses, and young participants earned school supplies after reading 1,000 minutes. A total of 700 children recorded more than 1,000 minutes read in the 2019 summer season, an increase of 12.8% from 2018. The program finale event occurred at the Hayti Heritage Center. The evening featured the awards ceremony for the 2019 Go for Launch! program, a conversation with an astronaut, and a sci-fi movie screening. Ultimately, over 3,800 Durham readers participated in the 2019 Summer Reading program and collectively recorded over 2.4 million minutes spent reading.   
 
The 2019 Summer Reading Program, A Universe of Stories, was sponsored by Durham Library Foundation, Friends of the Durham Library, Durham Public Schools, Carolina Parent, Durham Magazine, Higher Orbits, Indy Week, Pelican’s Snowballs, Durham Short Run Shirts, Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas, Hayti Heritage Center, The Parlour, and Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra. You can read more about the Friends of the Durham Library’s support of the program here.