It’s time to get your Summer Reading Club on!

Many of our customers know what the Summer Reading Club is and have been participating in it for several years, but they might not know the “why” behind the program. Beyond a love of reading, here are the most important reasons why we host the Summer Reading Club: 

Preventing the summer slide 

When the final bell rings on the last day of school in June, kids put down their books for the summer and some don’t start reading again until September. In just those two months, students who don’t flex their literacy skills can lose up to 20% of their school-year gains. Then, when school restarts in the fall, students struggle to keep up in the next grade. However, with a little bit of reading each day for Summer Reading Club, kids can set themselves up for success come September. 

Engaging with family or friends 

Believe it or not, reading is not the solo activity we often think of it to be. Whether you’re reading aloud to your child, having your child read aloud to you, or reading silently in the same room as your partner or friend, books have a way of bringing people together. Sharing about what you’re reading, your likes and dislikes about a certain book, or even making a book recommendation is a great way to connect with those around you. Consistently reading creates a great opportunity to remain engaged with your family and friends. 

Be a reading role model 

A lot of children participate in Summer Reading Club, but we cannot stress enough the importance of all-ages participation. Children look to the grown-ups in their lives for guidance and leadership, which is why setting a good example and developing healthy hobbies as a parent is critical. When you frequently have a book in your hand, you’re demonstrating the value of reading to your child. Plus, encouraging reading is the perfect response to “I’m bored!” which we often hear from the children in our lives towards the end of summer. 

Exploring new genres 

Frequently reading leads to flying through books making Summer Reading Club the perfect opportunity to explore new genres, authors, and topics! Normally read fiction? Pick up a recipe book, how-to guide, or memoir from the library to try out non-fiction! Looking for a change of pace? Try out a graphic novel. You’ve already set aside a minimum of 15 minutes each day this summer for the Summer Reading Club. Let’s maximize your reading time by exploring all that the library has to offer!