Libraries' Summer Reading Programs Encourage Kids to Dream Big

The last day of school has come and gone for most students now, so all that’s on kids’ minds around this time are the joys of summer.

But there’s one universal summer tradition not to forget this year: the free summer reading programs at local libraries.

Karen Tower, children’s librarian at the , said summertime can be presented as another opportunity to explore and have fun through reading. That’s why fun themes are taken on each year, such as this year’s topic, “Dream Big,” chosen by the American Library Association.

It’s a chance for children 12 and younger to choose books that will interest them and take them on their own imaginary adventure in the pages. Tower suggested children pick out books on anything from their heroes and inspirational figures, to night time explorations like stars and bats to get in on this year’s theme.

Not only can reading in the program be fun for children, but it’s a necessary summer activity to prepare students to be their best, said Joyce Krom, youth services assistant at the .

“Research shows that children lose up to 30 percent of knowledge from the school year throughout summer months. But children who continue to read through the summer, whether for pleasure or for information, tend to retain a greater amount of knowledge during the school year,” she explained.

With summer reading programs at both libraries, kids won’t have to choose education over entertainment, because the programs are designed to intertwine the two with fun books and cool prizes.

Following is a look at the information for both programs, including how to register and what activities are planned.

Berkley Summer Reading Program

Where:

Dates: June 18-Aug. 3

Registration: Must be done in person and kids can join at any time throughout the program. The Summer Reading Program will kick off with an ice cream social at 6 p.m. Monday. There is a suggested donation of $1 and children and their families can enjoy a cool treat while getting started in the program.

Prizes: Books, cookies and “treasures” that kids can dig out from a treasure box are some of the rewards for taking part in the Summer Reading Program and logging completed books at the Berkley library.

Activities:

• 2 p.m. June 21 — Once Upon a Puppet
• 3 and 4 p.m. July 11 — Baffling Bill the Magician
• 2:30 p.m. July 19 — Mad Science
• 2:30 p.m. July 26 — Little Creatures Company

Huntington Woods Summer Reading Program

Dates: June 18-Aug. 10

Registration: Must be completed online and is ongoing throughout the program.

Prizes: Children will receive “night time” themed prizes like glow-in-the-dark toys and wearables, and fingertip flashlights. The library will also be giving away a Kindle at the end of the program; children receive one entry into the drawing each time they meet reading requirements (30 minutes a day, six days a week) and attend library programs.

Activities:

• 3 p.m. June 21 — Motor City Ghost Hunters
• 3 p.m. June 26 — Rick Lieder, Photography Workshop
• 3 p.m. July 17 — Teri B. Racey, P.A., M.A., (exploring the language of dreams)
• 3 p.m. July 31 — Go Comedy Improv workshop

Reading recommendations

For anyone who wants to get started on awesome, summer-oriented books for kids, Towers had a few suggestions:

• Summer Days and Nights by Wong Yee
• The Kids Summer Games Book by Jane Drake
• Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald