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EASTON, Conn. Bruno Solimene, 5, said he thinks he'll read 100 books this summer.
The Easton Public Librarys Summer Reading Program begins June 27 with a kickoff event with Cyril the Sorcerer, who will use magic to present two back-to-back programs about recycling and traveling. This years theme is One World, Many Stories."
Kids in prekindergarten through fifth grade will earn a prize for every 10 books they read. Prizes include a book from Barnes & Noble, free admission to the Beardsley Zoo, a globe beach ball, an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen and, for 50 books read, a peace sign, wooden stretch bracelet.
Younger students have shown that if they dont read over the summer theyre not reinforcing or practicing what theyve learned, said Lynn Zaffino, the children and young adult's librarian at the Easton Public Library. Theres something called the summer slide, where students lose momentum, and they regress.
During the school year, students are assigned many books to read, and Zaffino said summer reading is an opportunity for students to read books of their choice. Its a good cool-down activity. After camps, sports and other action activities, its a nice way to wind down the day, said Zaffino.
Students in the childrens program who take out seven library books when they sign up will receive a hacky sack.
Students in middle and high school can fill out a ballot at the library for each book read and be entered in a weekly drawing for a $25 gift card. The gift cards offered include Game Stop, Barnes & Noble and iTunes. Each participant will receive a sneaker key chain for girls and a hacky sack kick bag for boys.
Volunteers are needed to help students sign up for the program and to hand out prizes. At the close of the program, which ends Aug. 12, an appreciation party will be held for the volunteers. Those entering seventh grade or higher can be a volunteer and must attend an orientation session at 4 p.m. June 23 or June 24.
How many books will you read this summer? Leave your comments below.
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