Families are invited to join the free Summer Reading Program at any of the four branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek beginning Saturday, June 23 and running through Saturday, August 4.
The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Libraries Rock!” Children age birth through 12 years old can win weekly prizes, enjoy creative crafts and storytelling sessions, and play reading bingo with library volunteers. Participating teens can earn a weekly raffle ticket for each book read, and the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Oregon Books and Games every week. Parents who attend with their children every week have a chance to win a $100 gift card to Fred Meyer at the end of the program.
Summer reading programs have long been acknowledged by researchers and the general public as key to the long-term academic success of students. Numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer months prevents “summer reading loss,” which can have a cumulative effect. Studies show that by the end of 6th grade, children who lose reading skills over the summers are two years behind their classmates.
The Summer Reading Program is completely free and offered during regular library hours at all four branches. Funding for the Children’s Summer Reading Program is made possible by the Oregon State Library Ready to Read Grant.