The school year may be over, but that won’t stop children from reading.

In fact, summer is when the real reading fun begins. According to a three-year study by Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, kids who participate in summer reading programs increase their skills, while kids who don’t read through the summer months experience some level of learning loss. Luckily, local libraries have the antidote to beat summer boredom…and learning loss!

Granite Bay and Rocklin Libraries

Both of these libraries begin their summer reading programs on June 1, when reading logs become available, and culminate July 30 with prizes awarded to all students who attain their summer reading goals.

And reading logs are just a small part of the summer excitement. “One World: Many Stories” is the theme for Granite Bay and Rocklin programs, and fun events are planned for kids of all ages. “Our theme is absolutely wonderful this year, and children five and up, including junior high and high schoolers, are encouraged to participate,” says Arlea Cone, Granite Bay Library’s assistant.

Cone has planned events that include Nature’s Critters, an organization that will visit with animals from around the world, craft days where kids can decorate book bags, bookmarks and more, and a visit from Wild Things, a wildlife rescue group that brings exotic animals to the library. Bingo and magicians are also on the schedule!

Rocklin Library is planning similar programs and senior librarian, Eve Nyren, says the library checks out more books in July than any other month, due to the hundreds of kids and their families who participate in the summer’s reading events. “We have performances scheduled and craft programs that will take place in Rocklin Elementary School’s auditorium in addition to Rocklin’s new library,” Nyren says.

Roseville Public Library

Summer programs for the Roseville Public Library begin on June 13 and run until July 16. Prizes will be available after July 18 through late August.

Roseville Library’s theme is “World Culture and Travel” and includes programs for children (One World, Many Stories), teens (You are Here) and adults (Novel Destinations).

A youth kick-off party is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 13 at the Downtown Library, featuring local author, Anne Martin Bowler, and a teen kick-off party at 5:30 p.m. June 15 at Riley Library will feature a travel discussion led by local experts Joanie Cameron and Lisa Smith-Youngs.

“Additionally, special multi-cultural story times and performances by different cultural dance troupes are being scheduled for the whole family to enjoy,” says Jamie Finley, director of library marketing and programming.

Roseville Library will also offer summer camps that include Fairy Tale Camp for ages 4-6, Vampires and Monsters for ages 8-11, and more! “We’re very excited about these summer camps,” Finley says.

And librarians everywhere are excited that kids will spend their summer reading good books. “Last year over 2,700 children and 580 teens participated in the program. Summer reading is important for kids and teens because it helps to keep their reading levels up during the long break,” Finley says. “Summer programs like ours keep kids and people of all ages engaged in learning and having fun.”

FOR MORE DETAILS

Granite Bay Library: 6475 Douglas Boulevard, 916-791-5590
granitebay.com/granite_bay_library.html

Rocklin Library: 4890 Granite Drive
916-624-3133, placer.ca.gov/departments/library/rocklinlibrary.aspx

Roseville Public Library: 225 Taylor Street, Roseville, 916-774-5221 (Downtown Library); 1530 Maidu Drive, Roseville, 916-774-5221 (Maidu Library); 1501 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, 916-774-5221 (Martha Riley Community Library), roseville.ca.us./library