Why should kids join the Summer Reading Program at the library? Aside from participating in exciting programs and events, and encouraging creativity and delight, summer reading can help kids become better students. Many studies show that kids who continue to read during school breaks achieve higher literacy levels during the school year. This includes higher performance in word recognition, reading vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Our summer reading programs offer many activities to keep kids interested and engaged in the reading process. We have programs that promote reading and literacy based activities and provide a better foundation for future reading habits. The Library is a free reading environment without restrictions, so kids don’t feel pressured by the “have to” requirements found during the school year. Many different genres of books and materials for all reading levels are available, so kids can choose what they want to read and for how long. When children are allowed to self-select reading material, reading becomes less of a chore and a more gratifying experience (see the latest Kid & Family Reading Report from Scholastic).
The library promotes reading activities for all ages (including adults!). However, it is also important for reading to be promoted at home. Parents and caregivers need to be involved in the summer reading experience to ensure success. Parents and caregivers can start right away by reading to their infants and toddlers every day(Join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program!). Reading can become a ritual, especially when a book is read every night before that child goes to bed. Even kids in kindergarten and up can benefit from reading aloud or sharing a book with an adult. Reading is like any other activity or sport, literacy can only improve when kids spend time practicing reading. What better place to begin than Summer Reading at the Greenburgh Public Library!
Christina Ryan-Linder, Assistant Library Director
Kids Garden at GPL
Here at the Greenburgh Public Library we are very lucky to have a dedicated garden space where we can host outdoor events and nature programs. The garden is dedicated to Ellen Hershey, who was a devoted Library Clerk at Greenburgh Public Library for over twenty years. Check out the great programming that will take place in Ellen's Garden this summer:
Bring and share any objects you or your family have found in nature and learn a little bit about our natural surroundings in the garden. Please dress for the weather and wear your sunscreen and bug spray. Registration required.
Summer is the perfect time for teens to get their volunteer/community service hours completed. Volunteering is also a great way to gain experience, build a resume, add to college applications, and is just an all around gratifying experience. The library's VolunTeens help out in all kinds of ways: reading to kids, providing technology assistance, running events, and much more!
Potential VolunTeen's must be between the ages of 12 and 19, have completed and submitted the online application, and attended a volunteer orientation. For more information on becoming a VolunTeen please visit the teen page.
The library even has summer reading opportunities for the youngest of readers!
This early literacy program offered by the Children’s Services Department promotes reading to newborns, infants and toddlers. Designed for children from birth to age 5, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten helps children develop the tools they need to become proficient readers and encourages parent/caregiver and child bonding through the activity of reading together.
The goal is to read 1,000 books with your child before the child reaches Kindergarten. Incentives for parents/caregivers and children will be provided along the way. Click here to register for the 1,000 books program.
For more information, please call the Children’s Room at 914-721-8227.
The Westchester Library System recently launched a new catalog called Evergreen. We hope Evergreen's new features (like shelf browse) will make your experience finding the material you want easier and enjoyable. If you need help navigating the new system please see a staff member, or call the Adult Information Desk at 914-721-8225.
TumbleBooksis an online collection of animated, talking picture books, reading comprehension quizzes, educational games and teacher resources for libraries. Also available in Spanish at Biblioteca TumbleBooks.
