Summer reading: Relax, learn, and have fun | KCLS

  • Thursday, June 1, 2017 6:30pm
  • Opinion

It seemed like winter was longer than usual this year, but it’s behind us now. And with the change of seasons – and warmer days – it’s almost time for summer reading.

All of us at the King County Library System are excited to gear up for our annual Summer Reading program, which kicks off June 1 and runs through Aug. 24. Our theme this year, Build a Better World, is meant to inspire everyone to join the fun, no matter what age.

Kids, teens, adults and families can enjoy programs ranging from art and science workshops, concerts, magic shows, author presentations and special events, including the return of Summer Reading in the Park, so popular that it has grown from four locations last year to 12 locations this year.

And, of course, there will be lots of reading. Amid the fun, an important facet of Summer Reading is creating opportunities for continued learning and engagement for children. Research has shown, time and again, the importance of reading over the summer so that students don’t lose academic ground when they start back to school in the fall. Avoiding the “summer slide” is a critical component for educational success, especially for students from lower income communities. That is why we find ways to connect kids with the library all summer long.

Last year, more than 33,000 children, age 5 to 12, registered for Summer Reading, filling out reading logs and earning rewards along the way. This year, for instance, KCLS is offering free tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo and other incentives to keep kids reading throughout the summer.

KCLS has bolstered its efforts to keep teens engaged in learning with age-appropriate reading recommendations and activities aimed to inform and inspire. Last year, the number of teens who turned in summer reading logs increased 32 percent, many of whom were likely motivated by the chance to win an Apple iPad as grand prize.

In partnership with local food banks and community service volunteers, KCLS libraries will once again host Summer Meals for Youth, a program that provides healthy meals and snacks for school-age kids who would otherwise receive free-and-reduced lunches during the school year. The summer meals program not only fills a critical nutrition gap for many children in our community, it drew nearly 9,000 students to various library programs last summer.

In 2016, more than 3,000 kids were transported to libraries for summer learning activities as part of KCLS’ Summer Busing program. And Mobile Services staff visited several YMCA day camps where kids got to choose a book for free, thanks to the KCLS Foundation that provided the funding for the books.

I’m sure many of you love reading all year long, but as I do, particularly enjoy taking advantage of the longer daylight hours to immerse ourselves in a good book during the summer. My own children participated in KCLS’ summer reading programs throughout their childhoods, and I firmly believe it encouraged them to become the avid adult readers they are today.

So get ready for a summer of fun and reading with KCLS. For more information on Summer Reading programs and activities near you, visit www.kcls.org/summer.

Stephen A. Smith is interim director of the King County Library System.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.