Submitted by: Marge McPeak, Literacy Chair
 
As this Cross Currents reaches you the School year is nearly over and summer vacation looms ahead of students.  Many of the teenage young people have summer jobs plans, families are planning vacations, and Librarians are gearing up for Summer Reading Programs.  Local successful programs often involve collaborative planning with community stakeholders.  Could your Rotary Club help in some way?
 
Any child who is able to participate in a local Library Summer Program will have had not only an exciting , enriching summer, but will also return to school with enhanced skills for the coming school year.  Studies indicate that students who read 4 – 6 books over the summer maintain current skills; those reading 10 – 20 books will have improved skills.  In addition this time spent reading can be the beginning of life-long learning and the continued enjoyment of books and reading.
 
Each Library has its own format for their Summer Program, but the Librarian attempts to take advantage of the children’s natural curiosity by introducing new subjects and different genres, often with a theme which incorporates age-appropriate reading, listening and activities.
 
If you are looking for a way to have a positive impact on someone for the rest of his or her life, enroll a child in your local Summer Reading Program – and consider volunteering at your local library!