Summer Reading Programs Get Underway
Andy McGuire and members of the Storybook Players were on hand to help kick off the summer reading program.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Now that summer vacation is in full swing for students, the “I’m bored” sentiment often comes up.
The Oskaloosa Public Library is once again hosting its summer reading program to help those young minds not be so bored. It could also help deter what is often referred to as, “Summer Slide.”
Summer Slide is the tendency for students, and statistically speaking, those from low-income families, to lose some of the educational gains and learning advancement made during the previous school year.
The summer reading program isn’t only designed for students, but is open to all age groups in the community.
Marion Gaughan, Oskaloosa Public Library Director who is now enjoying her 17th year of summer reading, and the first as the library director, said the program is a team effort of the staff at the library.
The process for summer reading begins when the snow is still blowing in January. Programs are developed month-by-month as the staff gets more excited for this busy time of year for them.
The focus of the program is to read, and “we always want kids to come in and continue to read throughout the summer,” says Gaughan.
“We just want to encourage everyone to continue reading throughout the summer,” added Gaughan.
“We have two really great adult summer reading programs this year. One, in June, that is called Curb Appeal,” said Gaughan. The program will feature a local realtor who will offer tips and suggestions to help your home or rental properties have more appeal. Stam Greenhouse will also be in attendance to speak about plants and shrubs.
“In July, we’re doing a program called Create and Donate,” says Gaughan. Participants will knit or crochet a hat or a scarf, with the creations to be donated to the United Way Winter Coat Drive.
“We are following the theme of Build a Better World,” says Gaughan.
Kids and teens will have many opportunities for programs during the summer, which will feature a magician, nature programs, and a lock-in, once again, where kids can spend the night in the library.
Summer Reading runs through July 21st, with July 22nd being the final program where awards are presented to individuals who reach goals, either being the number of books read or total hours spent reading.
Five books would be 36 hours of reading that will gain an entry into the grand prize drawing for teens and adults.
For kids, the measure is based upon minutes spent reading. This is done to help accommodate for the different reading levels. “Because everyone reads at a different level,” explained Gaughan; 5th grade students may require 100 minutes, whereas students in the 2nd grade may require 60 minutes for a grand prize entry.
There will also be door prizes, and each day they visit the library, participants can enter to win those prizes.
“Good stuff for the kids, the adults, and the teens,” said Gaughan, in closing.
