BCPL

News release

It’s that time of year again – the middle of May. School is winding down and visions of summer fun are ramping up. This past year has been one like no other, with school communities navigating between virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning.

Flexibility and adaptability were key components of making it through the past 14 months. After such an intense year, summer will surely provide a much needed break – although that doesn’t mean students should turn off their brains completely. Reading for fun is an effective way to help students stay sharp.

While not everyone loves to read, everyone can benefit from reading or being read to.

Summer tends to be slower paced, which makes it an ideal time to read with the kids in your life. It is a wonderful way to reconnect with them after a stressful school year, and it might inspire them to read for fun.

Many children truly enjoy reading and will do it on their own without much prodding, however if the child is a reluctant reader, the simplest way to engage them is to “make reading fun.” The public library is a great place to look for inspiration, as it offers entertaining and educational programs and events all summer long.

What is the Summer Reading Program?

At the Boyle County Public Library, the Summer Reading Program (SRP) is an 8-week literacy program designed for all ages. The primary purpose of the program is to encourage people to read.

Last summer the Boyle County Public Library introduced Beanstack— a fun virtual way to participate in reading challenges.

This year, to keep track of the books read, participants will register with Beanstack and complete reading challenges to earn free books and chances to win a prize bundle. While librarians tend to believe that true treasure is found within the pages of a book, a little prize incentive never hurt.

Studies show that kids who are active readers over the summer are ahead of the game when school starts in the fall. Librarians can help even the most reluctant reader find something they will enjoy, which makes summer reading an easy way to keep kids engaged and make a difference in their future academic success.

Why is summer reading important?

The “summer slide” is a loss of academic literacy that occurs over the summer break, and it is very much a reality. Studies show students can lose a month of literacy over the summer.

Children who participate in summer reading at the library not only keep their reading skills sharp, they can receive free books to keep at home. This is important because research also confirms that people who grow up with books at home tend to have higher reading comprehension, as well as better mathematical and digital communication skills.

Who can participate?

All ages can participate in summer reading. While many programs are geared toward school-age children and teens, the adult summer reading program also offers the reading challenge to earn free books and fun prizes, as well as activities adults will enjoy.

The Summer Reading Program will kick off on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, but people can register to participate at any time from June 1 – July 31. All events are free and open to the public.

Stop by the library to pick up a summer activities calendar and to view the prize bundles. For more information on how to register visit BoylePubLib.org/SummerReading.

Information about the SRP Kick-Off event and all upcoming activities can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. In addition, free WiFi is available in the library parking lot 24/7. Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-8398.