Summer Reading Programs to the Rescue

Kids from coast to coast are looking forward to the freedom to enjoy the carefree days of summer so they can stay up late, sleep in, swim in nearby lakes or pools, play in the park and explore their world by bike.

Many parents counteract some of their natural inclination to be lackadaisical by filling much of their free time with a variety of summer camps. There are camps specifically for kids interested in arts, foreign language, nature, religious, sports, music and more. Parents can also choose traditional day camps or overnight camps for their children. However, many specialized camps can be very costly for parents. In addition, regardless of whether money is an issue, parents are also concerned that three months away from school will put their child at a disadvantage academically when the next school year starts.

The solution: the Summer Reading Program at your local library. It is open to children of all ages and best of all it's free.

What exactly is the Summer Reading Program?

It is a nationwide program that rewards kids for reading. It began in 1987 when ten Minnesota regional library systems formed the Collaboration Summer Library Program (CSLP). Now there are over 40 states affiliated with CSLP including Alaska and Hawaii. The mission of CSLP is to encourage youth to read throughout the summer by providing incentives. CSLP aids in this mission by creating an annual theme and them providing libraries with the supplies needed (such as posters, reading logs, bookmarks, certificates and other tools) to keep the students motivated.

The Summer Reading Program is a fun and rewarding program that encourages kids to read books during the summer time. Consistent reading during the summer can actually help children be better prepared for the next school year.

"Children need to keep reading through the summer so they don't have to catch up on their reading skills when they return to school in the fall. When children read throughout the summer, they become better readers and better learners. I urge families to take advantage of the free reading program offered this summer at all of the State's public libraries." -- State Education Commissioner for New York, Richard Mills

Although the methods of implementing the reading program may vary depending on the library system in your state, the basic principle to make reading fun is the same throughout. In Minnesota, this year's theme is called "Go Bananas at you library." Children from preschool through teens can participate free of charge in the program. Children register at their local branch library to receive a reading log and other fun items to get them started. Having participated in the program with son in the past, I know first hand the benefits of the program far outweighed any effort on our part. Here in St. Paul, this will be our third year in the Summer Reading Program. Last year he received as his prize a very nice hardcover book on lowrider cars.

The next step is determining what to read. Unlike in school, in the Summer Reading Program, no one tells the child what to read; they decide. Whether your child wants to read Calvin and Hobbes books or A Tale of Two Cities, he makes the choice. The belief is that children will read more and thus learn more if they are given the opportunity to read what they like. The prizes the child receives will depend on the library. In Saint Paul, MN, the program will run from June 13 through August 30 and prizes this year will be awarded based on minutes read rather that number of books read. When the child has read for 10 hours she will receive a free book. A second book is awarded after 20 hours of reading.

Children of all ages can participate.

Preschoolers and toddlers can also participate with the help of a parent or caregiver. The time an adult normally spends reading to the little ones can count in this program; thus encouraging parents to read to their little ones. Also, teens can participate in an exclusive reading program just for them called Go Wild. It is filled with incentives and prizes selected by Teen Advisory Groups.

For more fun during the program, the libraries will provide weekly entertainment for kids. There will be magicians, jugglers, zoologists, storytellers, musicians and more to capture to hearts and minds of library goers. Making both the program and the entertainment free allows it to be accessible to everyone.

So, regardless of the camps, trips and other summer plans, there's always room to squeeze in a fun and rewarding program like the Summer Reading Program. Check with your local library for sign up procedures. Then they can keep reading throughout the summer, earn prizes and be ready for next fall.