Libraries across Northeast Ohio celebrate the summer with reading programs. Each year, they offer an opportunity for children — and adults — a way to worm into reading.
“You’re never too young or old to enjoy the written word or the spoken tale, and to spend time gardening, hiking, cycling or running — each to his or her own ability, to his or her own interests,” says Barb White, general manager for branches at the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
The Akron-Summit County Public Library will challenge readers to make reading and exercise a part of their every day this summer. The library’s Mind, Body & Sole: Read At Your Own Pace program is a reading/wellness experience for the whole family to enjoy.
“Summer reading programs are one more way that libraries help people keep learning their entire lives,” said Jason Lea, the community outreach coordinator at Mentor Library. “There is the potential for students to backslide when they’re not in school. We want to make sure everyone — adults included — never stop learning and have fun while they’re doing it.”
Mentor Public Library will run a trio of summer reading programs this year — one for kids, teens and adults — and all three are focused on science. The children’s program is Fizz, Boom, Read; the teens’ is Spark a Reaction; and adults’ is Literary Elements.
At the Westlake Porter Public Library’s summer reading, kids earn prizes and the library has a program for adults, too.
The Cuyahoga Library system is doing one comprehensive reading program for all of its branches. The big prize this year will be a chance to attend a very special author event.
The library system is also offering library patrons a list of the “Top 100 Books That You Should Read in Your Lifetime,” along with monthly themed displays to engage readers on new topics.
One of the most important things for parents to do is to model reading behavior, says Hallie Rich, the library system’s marketing and communication director.
She also suggests parents or caregivers ask about what the child is reading and keep them engaged by finding ways to connect with books they enjoy.
Is your child looking for his or her school’s summer reading list?
Many area libraries connect with their local school districts to provide additional copies for summer reading requirements. See what you can borrow this summer by stopping by your library or checking its website.
