St. Cloud, MN, May 2014: Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will begin its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) for children and teens ages 0-18 on Monday, June 9, continuing through Saturday, Aug. 9. Two programs are offered.
“Experiment with Reading”
The program for children from birth through age 12 is titled “Experiment with Reading.” It has two age groups: children from birth to age 5, and children from age 3 through 6th grade. Children ages 3 to 5 may choose which group to join. Children in both groups will be given a game-style sheet on which to mark their reading activities. The sheet for the younger age group encourages parents to do activities with their children that help build reading readiness. To be eligible for prize drawings, sheets must be turned in at the library by Saturday, Aug. 16.
“Read, Think, React”
The program for teens in grades six through 12 is “Read, Think, React.” Sixth-grade students may join either the teen or children’s program.
Each of the 32 branch libraries in the GRRL system will have weekly and grand prize drawings for children and teens taking part in the program. Libraries across the entire region are planning fun kick-off programs and special events to encourage participation. Many of the programs will have a science emphasis in keeping with the program themes. Check out the events calendar on www.griver.org to find out about special programs at your local library.
The goal for both programs is to encourage children to continue reading during the summer. Numerous studies have found that failing to read during the summer contributes to a summer slump that puts children behind when they return to school in the fall. Children who continue to read through the summer are more likely to maintain or even improve their reading skills.
Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. It provides Central Minnesota residents with nearly 1 million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, programming and information services.
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