Mattson launches summer reading club to challenge local students

CREST HILL – To encourage children to read this summer, State Senator Eric Mattson has launched a Summer Book Club for young people who reside in the 43rd State Senate District.

Mattson (D-Joliet) hopes to help prevent “summer slide” — the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

“Our Summer Book Club will help children get ready for the upcoming school year,” said Mattson. “This is a small way to show students that reading can be fun.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Mattson’s office by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate from Mattson.

Studies have shown that reading 20 minutes a day makes a huge difference in language and brain development, while also promoting a sense of empathy and interpersonal connection.

To receive a book club form, visit www.SenatorMattson.com to download and print the form. Parents can also call Mattson’s office at 815-207-4445 to request a copy by mail.

Mattson also reminds area residents there is still time to donate school supplies to support students at Fairmont School District. To provide children in Will County with access to school supplies, Mattson is teaming up with Representative Dagmara Avelar to host a school supply drive through the end of June.

“We need to work together to ensure all children across the 43rd District have the tools to be successful,” Mattson said. “The aim of this school supply drive is to assist and support students in achieving their dreams.”

They are accepting the following new items:

• Backpacks and pencil cases
• Notebooks, graph paper and wide ruled paper
• Glue sticks and washable glue
• Crayons, colored pencils, highlighters, markers and rulers

Donations will be accepted from now until June 30, and can be dropped off at Mattson’s office at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D in Crest Hill.

Mattson urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.