Prevent Learning Loss With Summer Reading

There is still time to sign up for Summer Reading at the .

Debra Conn, head librarian of youth services, said even though classes aren't in session, students should continue to read books.

"We know kids—when out of school—are losing their reading skills," Conn said. "By reading six to seven books through the summer, kids can hold on to what they've learned."

Conn is especially concerned about elementary school students. 

"Elementary years are critical. A lot has to be done outside of school," she said. 

Many parents tell Conn their children don't have time to read during the summer. Conn believes it's important to try to find the time.

"Kids make big gains in reading over the summer. We've seen it. Just like playing sports or playing an instrument, you really have to practice it to get better at it," she said.

The library offers summer reading programs for children from birth to 12th grade.

Summer Reading Together is designed for children from birth through the completion of kindergarten. Parents and children read and perform activities together. Rewards are offered to those who complete the weekly activities.

Summer Reading is offered to elementary and middle school students, who keep a log of the books they've read. For each book, children receive a ticket for weekly prize drawings, which starts this Friday.

"So the more you read, the greater your chances are of winning," Conn said.

Some of the most popular prizes include Super Soakers, ice pops, family passes to the wave pool and mystery bags.

New this year, there is also a Teen Reading program for high school students.

"The only requirement for all of the summer reading programs is to read books from the library," Conn said. "We want to encourage library habit."

Parents and students who are interested should stop by the library to register. All programs are free.