Callaway Library's summer reading programs begin June 1

Sherry McBride wants children to join the summer reading program to avoid summer reading loss.
Sherry McBride wants children to join the summer reading program to avoid summer reading loss.

The Callaway County Public Library in Fulton will have a multitude of free summer reading programs for children and adults.

Summer reading is very important in helping children avoid summer reading loss, according to Sherry McBride, regional youth outreach services coordinator and adult services librarian at the library. Summer reading loss is a condition where children who do not engage in academic-based activities in the summer start the school year at a lower learning level than when they ended the prior school year.

"If you have a child who reads during the summer, they are ready for school," said McBride. "If you don't use it, you lose it."

The library will be a cool place, temperature wise and material wise, McBride added.

"We are looking to have a great summer," she said.

The "On Your Mark, Get SetRead!" summer reading campaign will begin the first week of June and will have programs available for readers of all ages. These programs were created to hold people accountable for reading, and participants are encouraged to keep track of their activity. Readers who complete the suggested activities will receive free books and be entered into a drawing for prizes.

For young children who may not be able to read on their own, parents are encouraged to read with them for at least 30 days during the summer, and participate in simple activities, such as playing or drawing together.

"There will be reading incentives during the summer," said McBride.

Readers ages 5-18 will be challenged to read 20 hours. Teenagers will also have the opportunity to write three book reviews to be entered into a drawing for a Kindle eReader.

The main objective of the program is to encourage people of all ages to read.

The library also has programs aimed at helping adults enjoy literature. According to McBride, adulthood is a good time for readers to jump back into literature.

"People can go back and relive classics," she said. ""Sometimes you need something to take you away, and that is what great literature does."

Parents who read also set a good example for their children.

"If kids see adults read, kids are going to read," McBride added.

In addition to programs at the library, there will also be a series of programs that will help children who can't be there in person.

"We like to get outside the library walls and make our programs available to those that can't make it," said McBride. "They will have access to activities and programs as well."

Among the programs will be a visiting library every Wednesday at the Fulton Housing Authority and the Books by Snail program, where children can check out books online and have them sent by mail to their house.

Adults responsible for day cares and other large groups of children are also encouraged to spend time at the library.

"If you have a group, such as a day care, we have programs for them," McBride said.

Sign-ups for the program begin June 1. McBride encourages residents of all ages to "come and check us out."

For more information on summer reading programs, call 573-642-7261, visit the website at dbrl.org, or visit the library at 710 Court St. in Fulton.