Summer reading is in full swing! We are so excited about the many programs we have going on this summer. You can pick up a calendar of events at the library or find event information on our Facebook page.
Libraries started summer reading programs as a way to combat the “summer slide.” During the summer, kids lose about 20% of what they learned in reading and about 27% of what they learned in math from the previous school year. Younger children and children from low income families are more at risk for this learning loss. This loss of learning is called the “summer slide” and snowballs each year if not addressed, putting kids further and further behind every school year.
This all sounds very concerning and parents may be tempted to push their kids to read certain books or for certain periods of time. Kids then might feel like they’re back in school and might associate negative emotions to reading and learning.
Which is where summer reading comes into play! We encourage kids of all ages to read what they want and offer tons of fun learning opportunities. Studies have shown when kids select reading materials for themselves, they show more gains in reading level achievement. Plus, the more free-reading is exercised, the more consistent and positive the results. Differences in children’s summer learning experiences can ultimately impact whether they earn a high school diploma or go to college.
We have plenty of books across all reading levels – both in our library, on Hoopla, or through our inter-library loaning – that we can find the right books that kids want to read. We want to see our kids succeed and our librarians can help kids and parents find the perfect book to ignite that reading passion!
Studies have also shown that both children and teens are more likely to read when adults in their lives read. So whether your child is pre-school or in high school, parents are also encouraged to join the summer reading program. Plus, adults have the easiest program of them all (you can read any ten books from the library – even board books to your baby!).
The most important thing to remember is to have fun with learning this summer. And there’s no better place than at the library. We hope everyone signs up for summer reading or joins us for any of our fun events!
Some upcoming new releases: The Survivor by Iris Johansen; Cross Down by James Patterson; Near Miss by Stuart Woods; The Wishing Game by Meg Shafer; Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See; The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende; All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby; Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood.