Summer reading is hot. Summer reading is cool. Summer reading has something for everyone.
Kids especially are encouraged to read during their downtime from school during summer vacations. It's a great tradition, but one which should be observed all year round, and not just by young people. Read a book, listen to a book, read an ebook. You can't go wrong.
Harford County Public Library has an annual summer reading program, basically a challenge, for young readers. There's one in the winter as well.
This summer's challenge at the HCPL is "On Your Mark, Get Set…READ!" More than 4,500 readers signed up by the first day of the challenge, June 20, at all HCPL 11 branches.
"Physical activity makes the body strong, and reading does the same for the mind. Together, they make the perfect combination for our Summer Reading Challenge," Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library, said. "On Your Mark, Get Set...Read encourages students to exercise their minds and their bodies. The Summer Reading Challenge helps students retain and grow their reading skills over the summer, so they are ready when the new school year begins."
The challenge runs through Aug. 20 and is geared for children from birth to high school, to encourage continued learning that inspires a lifetime love of reading.
According to the library system, studies show that children who participate in public library summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the new school year, experience less summer reading loss and begin the school year with more confidence. Staff members will attest to that, from years of experience reading and having kids and, in some cases, grandkids who read avidly during the summertime, perhaps with a gentle push.
The HCPL challenge certainly is a fun way to experience the joy of reading. Children may sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at any of the 11 Harford County Public Library branches or online at hcplonline.org.
Program completion is based on the ages of those who register. Read to Me, Please!, for those from birth to pre-K, will read or listen to 25 books. Elementary students (entering kindergarten through fifth grade) should read 10 books. Middle and high school students (entering grades six to 12) are asked to read three books.
There are prizes, including IronBirds tickets and age appropriate books, while supplies last, but the point is this: Read and learn. It's an unbeatable combination, so get in on the summer fun by picking up a book – and reading it.