Summer Reading Program at the Lincoln Library

The annual summer reading program at the Lewis & Clark Library – Lincoln Branch kicked off on June 8 and runs until August 31. This year's theme, Imagine Your Story, is open to people of all ages.

Activity booklets are available at the library or online at the library's website at https://www.lclibrary.org/391/Summer-Library-Program.

Booklets contain different activities and goals for different age groups, as well as outdoor activities. Ages 0-4 will count the number of books they read, which also counts towards the "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program. Kids ages 5-17 have a goal of reading 20 minutes or more a day, while adults are asked to read 30 minutes or more per day.

The purpose behind the summer reading program is to encourage reading and prevent what's called the "Summer Slide" in school-aged students. Studies have shown that students who don't read consistently between the end of the schoolyear and the beginning of the next term tend to lose progress in their reading.

"Cumulatively, over time, the loss of academic achievement can be substantial," Librarian Kate Radford said. "Summer reading programs encourage them to maintain their progress from the previous year, which can be hugely beneficial later in life. The biggest goal behind the summer reading program is to help keep kids ready for school to start next year."

In addition to tracking reading, the activity booklets give kids things to do throughout the summer, while learning, exploring and engaging with their families.

"This year is extra weird. Usually libraries provide programming and bring in guest speakers and musicians and STEAM activities, so the activity booklet was partially the library's answer to that, as well as also trying to figure out ways to engage people that aren't digital," Radford said. "We think the booklet helps address that."

To participate in the program, Radford encourages participants to register in Beanstack, and reminds folks that if they don't have internet or don't want to register on their own, they can contact the Lincoln branch and they will be happy to get them registered. Registering in Beanstack is important because that's how the library keeps track of the number of participants, how far the program reaches, how well it goes and, ultimately, helps them determine what they need to change in programming and funding for next year.

The library reopened on Monday, June 22 with limited capacity and new guidelines, but Radford want to remind the community they are still a resource and they are there to provide services. "Folks can call us anytime for their library needs, and if we aren't there, please leave us a message and we'll get back to you." she said.

Summer reading packs can be picked up at the library and contain the booklet, stickers, and "brag tag" necklace. In addition to summer reading packs, the library is also offering "Take and Make Craft Kits" for kids. There will be a new one offered each week and they can be picked up while browsing at the library, or can be delivered curbside to those who call ahead.

For more information on the summer reading program, resources, or to speak with someone at the library, call 362-4300.