Library Column for May 26, 2023

@ Your Library

Summer is almost here and that means summer reading. I have been visiting elementary students and talking about the importance of reading and being read to this summer. Summer is a time for fun, adventure and exploration and that can include in one’s reading. Reading is very important all the time but is especially important for students in the summer as students who don’t read lose some of their reading ability and enter the next school year having to relearn up to four months of material that their brain doesn’t remember. Kids (and adults) can read anything. Let your fifth grader re-read a favorite picture book, let each kid pick what they read and support their reading efforts. The summer slide can also be minimized by them listening to someone read to them. Read together as a family. Pick a favorite book or discover a new favorite as you share stories together. 15 – 20 minutes a day will help children be ready to pick up right where they left off this spring.

The library summer reading program will provide a free book for every four activities completed on our summer reading log. Each student in the elementary school should receive a booklet with the log and event information to bring home. We also have some available at the library. Summer reading will get underway on Monday, June 5 and continue until August 11th but reading logs can be turned in for free books until September 1. Everyone, including adults can participate and earn free books.  Next week I’ll focus on the special programs and activities available for children, teens, and adults.

And if you are traveling, download the apps that allow you to borrow and read or listen to books digitally and never be without a good book to read. The library provides access to ebooks and audiobooks with Libby by Overdrive. Download the app, find our library and create an account using your library card number and start searching for free audiobooks and ebooks to read and listen to. Download the Hoopla app for free access to ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music as well as TV shows/episodes and movies. Search for our library and create an account to start borrowing.

Our newest two apps are the Wall Street Journal for reliable, up-to-date news. Three days of free access to the Wall Street Journal is provided through a link on our website. The first time you access the Wall Street Journal you will need to create an account. Repeat after three days for another three days.

The second new digital service we are offering is Comics Plus through their app called Library Pass. This online service and app provides access to thousands of comics, anime and graphic novels for a wide range of ages. Download the app and search for our library, then use your library card and PIN to create an account and begin reading. The online service is best accessed via our website.

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