Regional libraries combat learning loss with summer reading program

CHELAN / MANSON - Summer vacation may be a time to relax, swim in the lake and enjoy the outdoors, but its also a good occasion to cozy up in a blanket and read.

For kids, reading during summer vacation can help fight against the ‘summer slide’, or regression of learning that some students experience over the extended break from class.

To help fight this, the North Central Regional Library (NCRL) is kicking off their annual Summer Reading Program this month to encourage students to read while they are out of school for the summer. In addition to giving away prizes for reading NCRL’s 30 libraries in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan and Ferry counties will offer a lineup of free activities. Events include a puppet shows, theatrical performances, science and technology workshops, author visits and Pacific Science Center programs,

“The public library works hard to hose special programs just for kids, and the local librarians do an amazing job of offering incentives that encourage kids to join the summer reading program, NCRL’s Director Public Services Angela Morris wrote in a press release. “All in the service of making every child in the community become a better reader.

Prizes for reading range from toys for smaller achievements to book sets, electronics and entertainment passes for logging the most hours. Children can sign up for the reading program at their local branch libraries starting this week. The program runs through Aug. 31, and kids can log their hours online at ncrl.org/summerreading.  

“We’re committed to encouraging young people to love reading,” Morris further digressed in the release. “Summer is the perfect time for kids to come to the library to browse for special interest books, find their favorite graphic novel or get the latest title in a book series.”

While reading scores typically fall between spring to fall, a study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education concluded that the “effect of reading four to five books over the summer was large enough to prevent a decline,” and the best way to push back was with a library card.

According to Morris, last year NCRL readers collectively tallied more than 92,000 hours of reading during the summer.

Summer programs that will be offered in NCRL’s libraries this summer are:

• Pacific Science Center: The Seattle-based science program will bring its popular Volts & Jolts program to nine libraries this summer. Children are invited to explore the properties of electricity with the hair-raising Van deGraaff generator, Tesla coil and other shocking experiments.

• Book-It Theatre of Seattle: The literary theater group will present “El Deafo”, the 2015 Newbery Honor-winning book about the challenges author Cece Bell, who is deaf, faces when starting school and trying make new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to her chest.

• NCRL Puppeteers: This year, Eastmont High School teacher Mark Wavra and Wenatchee High School teacher Brian Higgins return to the puppet program, along with a cast of new puppeteers, to bring two distinct shows in the first and second parts of the summer to all 30 libraries.

• Chelan and Grant County PUDs: Chelan County PUD’s outreach specialist Bob Bauer will once again present program on magnets and electricity at libraries in Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan and Ferry counties. The Grant County PUD will do the programs at Grant County libraries.

• STEM: NCRL’s new STEM librarian Sarah Knox will present hands-on science programs at all libraries. In addition, many libraries will offer technology workshops with Sphero robotic balls, KEVA building planks, 3-D printers and other technology.

• Authors: Childrens book authors Erik Brooks and Elisa Kleven will offer several programs in libraries.

• Ian Dobson:  In this music program, children will create and play their own instruments made from recycled materials.
Chelan
June 21: Music program with Ian Dobson, 11 a.m.
June 26: Book It Theatre presents “El Deafo”, 4 p.m.
July 13: NCRL Puppeteers, 3 p.m.
July 19: Author/illustrator Elisa Kleven, 3 p.m.
July 26: Chelan County PUD science program, 3 p.m.
Aug. 2: NCRL Puppeteers, 3 p.m.
Aug. 9: STEM with Sarah, 3 p.m.
Manson
June 19: Ian Dobson music program, 3 p.m.
June 28: STEM with Sarah, 1 p.m.
July 12: NCRL Puppeteers, 11 a.m.
July 19: Author/illustrator Erik Brooks, 11 a.m.
July 26: STEM with Sarah, 11 a.m.
July 31: NCRL Puppeteers, 11 a.m.
Aug. 9: Chelan County PUD science program, 11 a.m.
A full calendar of events for each branch library can be found at ncrl.org.

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213