@your library: Library offers fun ways to prevent summer learning loss

As the school year winds down, children are getting excited for summer break. However, have you ever considered the impact of taking a break from reading during the summer? Research dating back to 1996 has shown that school-aged children experience a decline in their reading and math skills during the summer months if they do not practice. This decline is known as the summer “slide.”

Barbara Hyne’s study titled “School Learning and the Effects of Schooling” identified several factors that can help prevent the summer slide. One key finding was that children who read just six books over the summer were able to maintain or even improve their reading skills. Imagine the impact of a whole summer of reading on a child’s literacy skills!

So, how can we get children excited about reading during the summer? One solution is using the library. Every year, libraries nationwide host Summer Reading events.

At the Puskarich Public Library System, we spend months preparing exciting programs for children of all ages to encourage them to visit the library and pick up books during the summer. Summer Reading can show children that reading is not just for school, but can be a fun year-round and lifelong activity. This summer, our library has programs every day in June and July for children and adults. From Movie Mondays to food trucks, programs by local community organizations, and activities like beekeeping and arrowhead hunting, we offer something for everyone. Children who complete their Summer Reading challenge log will receive a free ticket for Library Day at the Uhrichsville Waterpark, while adults can enter raffle tickets for prize baskets by checking out books and attending programs.

For more detailed information on our programs, visit our website at go2library.org or search for Puskarich Public Library on Facebook. Preventing the summer slide is crucial to ensure that children do not fall behind over the summer. Just six books throughout the break can help your child maintain or even improve their reading skills. Give your child a head start for the next school year by visiting your local library this summer!