Summer reading program great way for kids to spy some good books

BY HEATHER DYKE

reporter@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Now that school’s out for the summer, you might think students have no plans to hit the books again until September.

The Valley Regional Library, however, has a different idea. June 22 and 23 kicked off the library’s “Agent 009” Summer Reading Club. With over 30 registrants the first day at the Wolfville branch, it seems Valley kids are welcoming the idea of spending some of their free time this summer with a good book.

Participants under the age of 12 can choose the number of hours they feel they can complete over the summer (10, 20 or 30). Prizes such as stickers and bookmarks are awarded for their progress.

When they’ve achieved their goal, they are awarded a FastPass for Upper Clements Park. For kids who aren’t usually avid readers, this is a good incentive to read over the summer holidays.

There’s also a teen program for ages 12-18. Participants in the Teen Summer Reading Program are asked to read for 25 hours over the summer and for every five hours of reading they will be entered into a prize draw. Some of the prizes include spy kits and even a digital camera. After 25 hours, the teens are eligible for a FastPass as well.

Any reading counts!

Being read to, reading to someone else, audio books, magazines and books all count toward the number of hours spent reading. To help out the youngest of the ‘Agents’, the library is planning activities throughout the summer, including storytime for kids aged 4-6. "Reading over the summer months, even if it's as few as four or five books, increases a child's literacy skills," says provincial librarian Jennifer Evans. "The goal of the Summer Reading Club is to get children actively reading and to curb the achievement decline that tends to occur over the break."

The Summer Reading Club runs from June 22 to Aug. 15. Students can sign up at any of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library branches.

For some good book recommendations, participants are encouraged to visit the library’s website at www.valleylibrary.ca.