May marks the end of the school year for most kids in Arizona, but it shouldn’t mean a break from reading. Most libraries in the state offer summer reading programs to keep kids entertained and their brains engaged, so that their learning skills remain sharp, avoiding the dreaded “summer slide.”
With more than 200 public library branch locations in Arizona ranging from Aguila to Yuma, chances are there is a public library nearby that offers a summer reading program.
These reading programs offer something for all ages too, from lap-time reading with your baby or toddler to improving adult literacy. Most of the libraries use themes established by the Collaborative Summer Library Program. CSLP is a consortium of states working together to provide a unified summer reading theme, along with professional art and evidence-based materials available to public libraries. The CSLP began in 1987, but its guiding principle remains the same: librarians sharing ideas, expertise and costs to produce high-quality summer reading programs for children, teens and adults.
Some of the benefits of including early learners (ages 4 and under) in the summer reading program according to the CSLP (cslpreads.org):
- Young children will gain self-confidence and a love for reading, books and the library
- The groundwork will be laid for children to become lifelong readers and learners
- Entire families will have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate summer reading programs
- Completion of the program will give children a sense of accomplishment and belonging
- Parents and caregivers will gain knowledge about early literacy and learning activities at the library that they can continue at home
Some of the benefits of summer reading programming for children (ages 5-11):
- Children are motivated to read
- Children develop positive attitudes about reading, books and the library
- Children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation
- Children have access to experiences that further their sense of discovery
- Children have access to experiences through which they can learn to work cooperatively
This year’s summer reading programs are “On Your Mark, Get Set…READ” (children), “Get in the Game…READ” (teens) and “Exercise Your Mind. READ” (adults). Sign up online or at your local library beginning the last week of May (check with your branch for the exact date that registration is available) and join in the fun with the 2016 sports, health and fitness theme. Set a goal of reading 20 minutes every day.
As children read, they log their reading time and earn points that they can redeem for prizes, including free food coupons. Kids can also play online games and track their reading to unlock new game levels and activities. Upon completing the program and achieving the required point goal, they receive a code to that they can use to choose a free book from an online marketplace.
These programs continue through the end of July or early August, depending on the library. Throughout the summer, the libraries will also host events in conjunction with the summer reading program, including kick-off events with special guests and activities.
So if you are looking for a fun, free and cool (libraries have great air-conditioning!) program to enlist the entire family in this summer, look no further than your neighborhood public library. It’s a great way to reinforce the importance of reading along with the enjoyment that only immersing yourself in a good book can bring.
To locate a public library branch in Maricopa county that is participating in the summer reading program, go to maricopacountyreads.org. To locate participating library branches outside of Maricopa county, go to azsummerreading.org.
