Thursday, June 12, 2008

Library Summer Reading Program Begins June 19
By Teresa Newton, Library Director

Think that you can’t afford to travel this summer because of high fuel prices? Think again! Join us for an out-of-this-world adventure—Starship Adventure @ Your Library! Our summer reading program will begin soon. Registration day is set for June 19th. At that time, children or their parents will receive a reading log so they can keep up with the number of books that are read during the summer. Incentive prizes will be given each time a child reads 10 books on his or her reading grade level.

Children in grades K-2 are invited to weekly reading programs which will feature stories of adventure. These programs will be held each Thursday from 2:00 until 2:30 p.m. The location for the programs will probably be at the auditorium of the City Administration Building, but we aren’t sure at this time. If the Archives moves to its new location, programs will be held at the library. Older children will participate in our reading club. They will also be asked to keep a list of books read and can earn prizes for reading. Need more details? Call Jane at 762-4627.

On July 31st, we will have our end-of-the-season party for all children who have participated during the program. We will have special entertainment and prizes.

The annual summer reading program is a promotion of the Tennessee State Library & Archives. Libraries across the state offer these programs to encourage children to continue reading (for fun) during the school break. It’s a fact that summer can be a time when children can lose valuable educational gains made during the school year -- an average student who doesn’t read or engage in other learning opportunities can lose as much as 2.5 months of learning over the summer! Visit your library often.

To minimize children’s summer learning loss:

• Visit your local library and sign up your kids for the summer reading program.

• Read to and with your kids. Be an example to your kids by doing some reading yourself.

• Use the library to explore your child’s interests. Ask the librarian how to find books, Web sites and other resources to nurture your child’s curiosity.

• Plan free or low-cost, educational field trips to local parks, zoos, libraries and museums.

 

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