The library will be hopping on Saturday, June 22 as we
kick-off our summer reading programs for children, teens and adults. We’ll have
various activities and contests throughout the day. You can decorate a planter, make a yummy dirt
cup, create a pet rock, try ice archaeology, and more. Don’t miss Mime Robert
Rivest at 2:00 pm in the Ehlers Room. Our
sidewalk chalk contest is back with prizes for the best chalk drawing in
several age categories. Grab your slab of sidewalk and decorate from 10:00 – 2:00;
judging starts at 2:00 and prizes are awarded at 3:00. Don’t forget to bring
your own chalk!
Why do we make such an effort to get children and families
to the library? It’s because of the “summer slide”. Studies have shown that children who do not
read during the summer will lose more than two months of reading achievement, and
the effect is cumulative. Kids who lose reading skills over the summer will be
two years behind their classmates by the end of the 6th grade. By joining the Summer Reading Club, kids can
prevent this from happening. We have programs for adults and teens too, with
lots of prizes! Why a program for
adults? Why should the kids have all the
fun? By joining our adult reading
program parents can join the fun and make reading a family affair. Reading is
one of life’s greatest pleasures!
This year’s children’s theme is Dig Into Reading. Children love to dig into things – dirt boxes,
mysteries, or solving a problem. They
want to find the answer, to satisfy their curiosity. This summer’s reading list
will “dig” into science, nature, history, detective stories and more. Our children’s programming will encourage
kids to discover and create through fun science activities, arts & crafts,
and exciting performances. Teens can read “Beneath the Surface”, about what can’t
be seen or known at first glance, but is always there waiting to emerge. “Groundbreaking
Reads” will encourage adults to expand their understanding of the world and
enjoy programs that will give you a new perspective on history, science, and
health. Register starting on June 22 and receive a summer reading starter kit
complete with reading log, bookmark, brochures and other goodies. This year all
three programs are also online! You can log your reading from your computer,
tablet, or smart phone and receive notification when you are eligible for a
prize.
The library and the Monroe Public Schools are working
together to coordinate their summer reading program with the Governor's Reading
Challenge. The library will be forwarding information from all of the
online reading logs to the schools at the end of the summer, so be sure to note
which books you have finished reading when you log your minutes. Hope to see
you at the library this summer and enjoy your reading!
