Schools let out for summer break very soon! Parents, caregivers, and teachers: visit your public library to learn how to engage your children in reading and learning this summer.
Public libraries across Ohio are rolling out their summer reading programs. Many libraries will invite children to travel the globe with the “One World, Many Stories” summer reading theme. Children will explore culture and geography through stories, crafts, music, special programs, and other fun activities. Children may track their reading and other library activities and earn fun prizes for participating.
Many Ohio libraries also offer summer reading programs for teens and adults, and special activities and programs for children ages 0-5 and their families. Check with your local library for dates, registration information, and details of its summer reading program.
Studies show that students who do not read during the summer can experience “summer reading loss.” They lose ground in reading proficiency during summer vacation, and return to school less ready for the next academic year. (see: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/15218). Library summer reading programs encourage students to keep reading during the summer.
In 2010, nearly 300,000 children, 60,000 teens, and 75,000 adults participated in public library summer reading programs at libraries across Ohio.
Statewide supporters of Ohio’s libraries and their summer reading program participants include the Ohio State Fair (http://www.ohiostatefair.com/) and Ohio State Parks (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks). Ohio Caverns (http://www.ohiocaverns.com/) in West Liberty is also supporting library summer reading programs across Ohio, in conjunction with the “Novel Destinations” adult summer reading theme used by many libraries.
So take a book along to the park, select an audio book for a long car trip, load up your eReader, or break out the comic books. Readers of all ages will have fun exploring the world this summer – starting at the public library.
For more information, contact your local library or Janet Ingraham Dwyer at the State Library of Ohio, 614-644-6910, jdwyer@library.ohio.gov.
