Dublin Library Summer Reading Program

Each summer, hundreds of parents are faced with the same two questions: How can I keep my kids occupied this summer? How do I make sure my child doesn’t lose the skills gained during the past school year? 

The has the answer. Get them reading by signing up for “Reading is So Delicious!,” the Library’s 2012 Summer Reading Program.

According to the American Library Association, numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer prevents the “summer slide” of learning loss that can happen when children are not in school, practicing their skills every day. Free, voluntary reading is essential to helping children become better readers, writers and spellers.   

During the summer, the Library emphasizes that the only rule is to read for fun. “The best thing about summer reading programs,” says Children’s Librarian Rebecca Maher, “is the child is in the driver’s seat. We give them permission to read whatever they want and it all counts.”

Starting June 11, children and teens can pick up their game board at the Library.  The game board helps them keep track of their reading over the summer, and they earn prizes along the way.

As an added incentive, Mayor Tim Sbranti is challenging Dublin students to take the Mayor’s Reading Challenge. Once children finish the library game board, they can count those hours towards meeting the Mayor’s challenge, and keep reading until they log 100 hours. Winners will be invited to a special reception in August to meet Mayor Tim Sbranti and receive an award certificate. 

Mayor Sbranti says “One of the best things we can do for our kids is encourage them to learn and grow through a lifelong habit of reading. I’m excited to throw out this challenge to Dublin kids.  100 hours of reading sounds like a lot, but works out to about 2 hours a day. I can’t wait to meet every child who reaches this goal and shake their hand. It’s a win-win for our kids and for our community.” 

Readers have until on August 11 to complete both the library’s reading game and the Mayor’s challenge.

 In addition there are many fun activities at the Library planned for all ages:

• School-age (children 5 years and older):  Every Wednesday, starting June 13, there will be a special program just for school aged children, 5 and up! Crafts, art programs, and special events such as Magic Dan and the Puppet Art Theatre entertain and delight. Free tickets for these events will be given out starting at 12:30 pm on Wednesdays.

• Summer Chill Zone: This enrichment program for children ages 7 to 10 years old, will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm., June 26-August 2.   Games, science fun, music, and stories are combined for a fun filled two hours. Free tickets required.

• Page One: A Book Group for Kids in Grades 5 & 6: The Page One book group will continue to meet during the summer!  The next meeting is Wednesday, June 27 at 4:00 PM.  The book for June is The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman.

• Tweens: Children entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the Fall may volunteer for the Library’s Kid Power program. Volunteers help younger children sign up and play the summer reading game.  Interested children must attend an orientation meeting. Contact the Library for meeting dates and times.  Also for ‘tweens, watch for two very special events, Magic 101 in July, and Camp Half Blood in August.

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