Library Summer Reading Programs Help Avoid "Summer Learning Loss"
May 22, 2014 —
Librarians love hearing how a book or library program changed someone’s life. One favorite story comes from a parent after last year’s Summer Reading Program: “At the beginning of the summer Sam said he did not like reading, but by the end he said he liked reading!” Another parent wrote, “It encouraged my child to read more – which is what we wanted!!!”
You can almost hear their relief. Studies show children and teens who read for pleasure – which is what summer reading is all about – improves reading skills and avoids the dreaded “summer learning loss.”
That’s just one of the rewards of the library’s annual, free Summer Reading Program, which begins Saturday, May 24, and runs through Aug. 2. The theme is Fizz, Boom, READ! There are programs and activities for tiny tots, children, teens and adults, and anyone can register by going to thelibrary.org/fizzboomread, or ask a librarian.
Everyone who registers for the Summer Reading Program can earn rewards and chances to win more prizes in August. Added to that, everyone can attend the live comedy, magic and science-based programs through summer.
One parent told us, “I am impressed by how much the prizes incentivize children to not only continue reading and learning throughout the summer, but also to set goals. This is especially helpful for my daughter, who will be entering first grade this fall.”
- Tots from birth-18 months can do activities with their families and earn board books.
- Children ages 19 months-5th grade can complete a game board on the way to earning a fine waiver card and a Food ‘n’ Fun Flipcard with food and activity offers.
- Teens in grades 6-12 can earn a Food ‘n’ Fun Flipcard, a free book, a fine waiver card and the chance for other prizes.
- With each book they read, adults can enter a drawing for gift baskets and a grand-prize iPad from ReferenceUSA in August.
Children and teens that spend their summer hours at day cares, day camps, clubs, parks programs and summer school don’t have to miss out. The library’s Summer Reading to Go Program takes summer reading on the road with similar activities and rewards. Ask your camp or a librarian for more information.