Friday, June 15, 2007

Hooray, it’s Summer!

On your mark, get set, ready, READ!!!

Public libraries are gearing up for their annual summer reading programs and there are powerful reasons for enrolling your children in one:

1. They’re FREE ... need I say more?

2. They help children continue their reading development and keep skills sharp. Studies show children can lose the previous year’s gains over the summer break (see below for more information).

3. Support your public library! Visit, attend programs, check out materials--you’ll be amazed at what’s available, largely for free. Despite frequent and ferocious attacks, public libraries continue to remain one of the cornerstones of our democracy, advocating everyone’s right to freely access literature, information, and other resources in order to create a more informed citizenry. Um, isn’t this what our country’s founders wanted? Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox.

So, contact your local public library for details.

Resources About the value of Summer Reading Programs

Summer Reading and Learning for Children
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/summerreading/summerreading.htm

Benefits of a Summer Reading Program
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/40025/benefits_of_a_summer_reading_program.html
Highlights of Research on Summer Reading and Effects on Student Achievement
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.pdf