Joplin Public Library summer reading program planned

(From Joplin Public Library)

Joplin Public Library is offering summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults. Special events, incentives, and fun activities are being used to promote the enjoyment of reading a good book and to help children and teens maintain their reading skills over the summer.

Studies show that children who do not read during the summer can experience “summer learning loss” and over time, this loss can add up to the equivalent of three years of reading loss by the end of fifth grade.

Children’s librarian Jeana Gockley agrees that it is vital that children and teens continue reading during the summer. “The Library’s reading programs are specially designed to inspire children and teens to keep reading and to help families, not matter where they reside, have access to quality, age appropriate reading material during the summer.”

This year’s program theme centers on superheroes, with the slogan, “Unmask” being employed to tie all three programs together. The Children’s Club provides readers and listeners, birth through fifth grade, with the opportunity to participate in programs and earn two free books. The Teen Challenge, for young people going into grades six through twelve, gives teens the opportunity to take part in weekly programs and the added bonus of winning a fun mix of prizes. Not to be left out, the Adult program allows adults the chance to win weekly prizes and participate in several special events.

Registration for all three programs started on May 26, but according to library officials, there is still plenty of time to sign up. All activities are free of charge and many have been made possible thanks to a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as administered by the Missouri State Library, and partnerships with local organizations.

Anyone participating in the Children’s Club or Teen Challenge is eligible to receive a free library card to use for the duration of the program no matter their residency. For more information and a complete schedule of events, call (417) 623-7953 or visit the library’s website at www.joplinpubliclibrary.org.