The Barrington Area Library is kicking off their Summer Library Club this week and that’s the subject of our latest feature in Books & Beyond, a new series here at 365Barrington.com authored by some of our local librarians. Today, the Head of Youth Services at the library, Ryann Uden, is sharing details about the Summer Library Club plus tips to keep your kids reading while they’re taking a summer break from their school books.
Summer Reading is Summer Learning
Ryann Uden, Barrington Area Library Head of Youth Services
Do libraries have summer reading clubs because we want to live vicariously through sunscreen-scented families? Yes! But, that’s not the only reason. Libraries have been promoting summer reading since the 1890s as part of our dedication to helping children grow into good readers and learners.
When kids don’t read during the summer, they lose at least one month’s worth of school instruction time. If they skip reading summer after summer, the effect grows over the years. Students who don’t read over the break score lower on achievement tests at the beginning of the year compared to kids who continue reading. Want to learn more about that? Visit the American Library Association online.
How many books does it take to stop that summer slump?
Kids who read as few as six books over the summer break can maintain their reading skills from the previous school year. When children pick out and read 10 to 20 books, nearly half improve their reading skills over the summer.
Summer Reading Tips:
Make it fun
Let kids pick out their own books and encourage all types of reading: fiction, nonfiction, magazines, graphic novels and more. Need help finding books to boost your reader’s confidence? See a librarian or use our book suggestion lists.
Create a ritual
Whether you set a time each day for family reading or you schedule regular library visits, creating a routine will help keep the summer from flying by without reading.
Be a role model
You are your child’s best reading motivator. When your children sees you reading (whether it’s a magazine, a how-to book or the latest bestseller) they know that you value and enjoy reading, and they will too.
Read on the go
Taking a trip? Download some books or audiobooks for the road. Bring paper and pencils and have kids draw or write stories about your adventures.
Barrington Area Library Summer Library Club
Have Book, Will Travel
June 3 – July 28
Sign up at balibrary.org
For Kids:
Preschool Club (Birth-K)
Collect stickers for library visits and receive a free book.
Student Club (Grades K-8)
Complete ten library activities such as reading a book, listening to an audiobook, attending a library program, and more to receive a free book. Keep reading to earn Library Bucks to spend in the Library Trading Post on prizes and activities of your choice. Library Bucks expire July 28.
Popcorn Challenge
If Barrington kids complete 20,000 activities by July 25, the library will provide free popcorn for everyone on July 26!
There are clubs for high school students and adults, too – check out the library website for full details.
Library programs keep kids engaged in learning throughout the summer. Even while we undergo renovations, we’ll be providing a full selection of programs at the library and around town. From concerts to drop-in crafts to hands-on technology classes, there’s something for everyone. See our events calendar for more information.
Come visit us soon!
* Photo Source 1 & Photo Source 2
About the Author
Ryann Uden is the Head of Youth Services at the Barrington Area Library.
She loves dreaming up ways people can be creative at the library.
She has an addiction to books in all forms: print, e-book and audio.
When not reading, you’ll probably find her on some type of social networking site, writing a romance novel, or taking a class as a waiting adoptive parent.
