Libraries seek help with summer reading program

April 29, 2007

BY WILL ELLIOTT

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Valley libraries are seeking help with a summer reading program for youth.

The Alaska State Library Summer Reading Program rewards youth readers with prizes. The program is designed to encourage reading throughout the summer, when many kids lose interest in books. The program is free, and parents can enroll their children at their local library.

This year's theme is &#8220Get a Clue at Your Local Library,” and emphasizes mystery stories. Exact dates vary at each library, but the program will run from June through July.

Three reading levels are offered: young children who need someone to read stories aloud, elementary schoolers, and young adults.

The program is partially funded at a cost of $1 per child with federal grants. Local libraries must cover the rest, and are seeking assistance from the community.

&#8220Right now, what we need help with are the prizes,” said Jo Cassidy, a Big Lake librarian. &#8220We're looking for donations, from bikes to gift certificates to toys and videos. Kids like everything, so we're not picky,” she said.

At Big Lake, in addition to the prizes and programs, throughout the summer participants will be awarded tickets for reading a certain number of books or reading for a certain amount of time. At the Big Lake library's end-of-the-year ice cream party and drawing, lucky ticket holders can win bicycles, trips, pool parties and other donated items.

Across the Valley, events such as pet, talent and magic shows are planned for the program's weekly meetings, along with safety programs and arts and crafts. All activities are free and open to the public.

Cassidy said the program has a big impact on students.

&#8220Studies have shown that those who read during the summer perform better in the fall when school resumes,” she said. &#8220When children read throughout the summer, they become better readers and better learners. Summer reading programs make educational reading activities fun and appealing to the whole family. I urge families to take advantage of the free reading programs offered this summer at all of the Valley libraries.”

The Big Lake library will hold a potluck barbecue to kick off the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m on June 7.

The library hopes to raise funds and interest for the program with a live band and prizes for parents and children.

In addition to their literary resources, Valley libraries offer computers for Internet access, word processing and job searches, Cassidy said.

&#8220The computers are busy all the time. We have people waiting in line,” she said.

Cassidy said this range of service contributes to libraries' steady relevance beside sports, video games and other youth attractions.

&#8220I think libraries are unique. We're different,” Cassidy said.

To donate prizes or volunteer with the Summer Reading Program, or to learn more about library services, inquire at your local library.

Tips for making summer reading fun

According to information supplied by the Alaska State Library Summer Reading Program, children who read do better in school. Here's &#8220six easy ways” to get kids to read this summer:

1- Get your child a free library card at your local public library.

2- Sign your child up for this year's summer reading program. Kids will enjoy free programs with fun activities, storytelling, reading contests, crafts and more.

3- Read to your children every day. Take advantage of &#8220waiting” time to share books: on trips, at the doctor's office, in line at the grocery store.

4- Set a good example.Read on your own and talk to your kids about what you're reading.

5- Have books everywhere- in the car, in front of the TV, in the kitchen, on the porch.

6- Keep a list on the refrigerator of the books everyone has read during summer.

Contact Will Elliott at

352-2252 or will.elliott@

frontiersman.com