Summer is an important time for the library in the life of every child. The research is very clear that children who do not read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress - and that gap is difficult to make up. We also know that regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic level, or previous achievement, children who read four or more age-appropriate novels over the summer fare better on reading-comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books over the summer. Without having access to school libraries during the summer months, the Redding Library opens doors of possibility and adventure for each and every child who comes - and the “Summer Blast” program provides added fun incentives.
I can remember when my children were young, we would make a weekly trip to the library. Once our oldest got her library card, the younger two preschoolers wanted to learn how to write their names so that they too could get their own library cards. With their library cards, valued as a great prize, they would each come home with a stack of books. Narrowing down from all the potential options to those that would fit in their book bags was the hardest part of each week’s trip! Summer trips to the library were even more fun because of the reading incentive programs offered.
Reading was a regular part of our routine. When they were young, I would read to the three of them together and eventually time was set aside for all of us to be reading a book of our own choice. My daughters would get lost in the midst of adventures whereas my son was always wanting to learn about the world around him.
My children are now all in their twenties and each has maintained a love for reading and for the learning that takes place through the written word. I also love to read and look forward to getting a new book! I’m thankful that our library provides great opportunities for people of all ages to engage in reading and in learning. Stop by, pick up a book, and encourage children in your life to continue reading all summer long.
