Woodridge Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Programs

This week, the  kicks off its annual summer reading programs for children, teens and adults. The different programs include:

Youth Reading Program: One World Many Stories

Children from one year to sixth grade can participate in the Summer Reading program now through July 30. The library expects between 1,200 and 1,300 children to register for the program.

The program includes the Read-To-Me Club for children who are not yet reading on their own. It also encourages reading aloud and gives pre-readers the chance to earn prizes. A prize will be awarded for every 10 books read.

The Reader's Club, for children who are reading independently, allows kids to read whatever they want and keep track of  time spent reading. Prizes are awarded for every five hours of reading.

According to Sheri Daun-Bedford, head of children's department, prizes for the program include books, T-shirts, book bags, coupons for free food and tickets for free admissions to local attractions and events.

"For the pre-readers, reading instills a love of reading and books, and it can be a special sharing time between children and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers," said Daun-Bedford.

"For the reading child, it is important to maintain their reading skills during the summer. Beyond that, the program is meant to be fun. Children can read what they want to read, at their own pace, and aren't required to take a test or give a book report. Reading for the joy of reading, and those prizes."

Studies have shown that if a child doesn't continue to read during the summer, their reading skills deteriorate, and they have to regain reading ground when they begin school again in the fall. This is called the summer slide. Studies also indicate that summer reading children will maintain their reading level, if not improve upon it.

Teen Summer Reading Program: " Reading . . . The Final Frontier"

Running from June 6-July 30, the teen reading program encourages kids to "launch" into realms of fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, horror, romance and adventure while keeping your current reading level up.

Students entering grades grades 7-12 in the fall are eligible, and they must have a Woodridge Public Library card, be a student in District 68, or have just graduated from 8th grade in District 68.

Students must register for the program and can earn a king size candy bar after reading three books, a $5 Cinemark gift card after five books, and be eligible for the weekly and grand prize drawings.

According to Beth Van Opdorp of the Woodridge Library, after reading each book, students must write  a brief review online or on paper about the book. Books must be at least 100 pages in length, and one graphic novel is allowed. If readers post their review online they qualify for a chance at the weekly prize.

"We usually have about 200 teens register for this program," said Van Opdorp. "All of the local  schools have summer reading lists and the library has all of the reading list books to borrow."

Adult Summer Reading Program: "Local Destinations"

Running through July 30, the theme for  the adult program this year is Local Destinations.

"I chose that theme because I think a lot of people are going to be hanging around locally this summer, and hopefully will have time to read some of their favorite authors," said Kay Kohut of the Woodridge Library.

"After participants read or listen to a book, they can fill out a slip either on paper or online and let us know the title, author, and write a brief review of the book if they want to."

There will be two random drawings each week among those who participate, and the prizes are gift certificates to local destinations. There will also be random drawings at the end of the program for two "grand" prizes.