When students escape the classroom for a joyous summer, make sure reading is on the list of fun things to do. The Summer Reading 2016 program at local libraries encourage everyone to get busy! The children's theme, On Your Mark, Get Set, Read; teen theme, Get in the Game: Read; and adult theme, Exercise Your Mind - Read, all celebrate the link between a fit body and a fit mind.
A key goal of the Summer Reading program is to maintain reading skills during the summer, and research has shown that time spent reading is effective in stopping the "summer slide." The State Library of North Carolina sponsors the program at state-aid eligible libraries statewide with allocations from the legislature.
The goals are to motivate families and children to read for pleasure, help school-aged children maintain reading skills, establish the library as a vital part of the community and encourage partnerships with schools.
Libraries may engage young children with story time, hands-on and craft activities, and music. Read-to-Me programs may be available for preschoolers and parents to provide a family activity. Older students may have a goal of books to read on their own, with a reward or certificate presented at the end of the program. Young adults may assist with younger students, explore new topics and pursue interests not possible during the school year.
Families are encouraged to read aloud together, join in games or activities or create special activities of particular interest to them. Field trips, guest performers or other community activities also may be part of Summer Reading programs in local libraries.
"Public libraries provide not just reading during the summer, but other types of learning. STEAM programming and resources, art, humanities and poetry immersion, and some even provide camp-like activities," says Library Consultant Lori Special. "What your public library offers is rich and varied and youth serving library staff members are excited and ready to help everyone get into the game this summer!" STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
Each library crafts the Summer Reading program for that community. Most programs start a few weeks after school closes and last four to six weeks. The program enables children to improve academic skills during the summer and is particularly beneficial to low income students with combating summer learning loss.
For additional information, please call your local public library or (919) 807-7425. Summer Reading is administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.