ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – A library on wheels in Franklin County is preventing the so-called "summer slide'" with free food, games and crafts.
The Franklin County Library's Bookmobile kicked off summer with its first Bookyard Party in Rocky Mount.
This is the second year of the Bookyard Party program. It offers opportunities for families who can't get to the library.
Library workers want to encourage kids to read during the summer so they don't lose what they learned during the school year.
"The earlier we can get them hooked on the book, the more likely they'll stay, so that's our goal," said Wayne Keith, the director of mobile media services for the Franklin County Public Library
The mobile library is hosting several more parties throughout the summer in different neighborhoods:
June 11, 2 - 6 p.m., Candlewood Apartments, Rocky Mount
June 13, 2 - 6 p.m., Callaway Hardware
June 18, 2 - 6p.m., Coopers Cove Community Center
June 20, 2 - 6p.m., Henry Volunteer Fire Dept.
June 27, 2 - 6p.m., Hammacks & Leffie Lane – 220N
July 9, 2 - 6 p.m., Antioch Community Park
July 11, 2 - 6 p.m., SML Community Beach Park
July 16, 2 - 6 p.m., Mountainview Apartments, Rocky Mount
July 18, 2 - 6 p.m., Naff Community Center, Boones Mill
July 23, 2 - 6 p.m., Sontag Community Center
July 30, 2 - 6 p.m., Ferrum Elementary School – soccer field parking lot
August 1, 2 - 6p.m., Franklin County Public Library – Rocky Mount Branch