Why All This Emphasis on Summer Reading?
Summer reading clubs have been a staple of library programming for decades – but why? From an educational point of view, it's about maintaining the learning and progress that has been gained over the year – kids who don't read over the summer don't just stop developing their skills, they actually lose some level of reading proficiency. By encouraging kids to read over the summer with small incentives and wide-open choice of reading material the way we do, we can help slow that down.
From a paren't's perspective? It's a great added activity to keep those kids busy for a little more of those long, hot days of summer. Just think about it – they will need to spend some quiet time reading, and then you can all head over to your local library and spend some time in the cool, picking more books, getting rewarded for reading, joining contests, and attending some of the many great programmes we have on over the summer.
We really ramp up our programming, too, with much more of what we do aimed at school-aged children we don't usually get to see as much, so there is perfect reasons to find your way over to your library for a puppet show, concert, or magic show. Check your branch listings online – you may be surprised by what you find!
The TD Summer Reading Club web site is another great destination, if it is simply too hot to move, or your child wants to play on the computer. There are fun things for kids to do, and this year, as they earn stickers for their reading, they are also given codes to unlock special extras – even more incentive! Take a peek around – this year's site is all new, and looking quite spiffy!
So yes, we have our formal reasons that are backed by studies and fulfill important mandates about supporting readers, but we are also busy having a whole lot of fun over at the library and online, and love the chance to get to see your kids more often!
Summer at the library is a win-win, so come on over, sign up for the reading club, and visit us for programmes and sticker rewards!
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