Kansas City Area Summer Reading Programs 2009
Every summer, our local libraries host Summer Reading Programs to encourage a love for books and maintenance of reading skills. In conjunction with the reading programs, our local libraries offer several special programs including puppet shows, musical performances, live animals, cooking demonstrations, magicians, special storytellers and more.
Parents who encourage reading and library exploration help their children develop a love for learning, and an active imagination.
“Children begin to acquire early literacy skills from the time they are born,” according to Barbara Brand, Youth Services Manager at the Johnson County Libraries, “Reading to them is the best way to make sure they acquire all of these skills. The most important gift you can give your child is the fun that they will experience sharing a book with you!”
And, summer is the best time for fun reading! Summer Reading Programs are a break from traditional school. Encourage your child to explore books they love and find topics that are engaging and interesting. If your son loves dinosaurs or boats, or your daughter is intrigued by princesses or space exploration, this is the golden opportunity to encourage their interest and broaden their love for books. Help your child explore new sections of the library, be it joke books or comics, how-to books in topics ranging from cooking to magic, or your favorite childhood fiction. While the kids are entertained and engaged, they won’t even realize they’re actually maintaining and improving their school year skills!
Anitra Steele, Children’s Services Manager of the Mid-Continent Public Libraries says, “It’s important to read to children at all ages but reading aloud early lays the groundwork to learning to read once children start school by: increasing vocabulary [children's picture books contain a higher number of "rare" words than conversation], modeling the reading process [left to right, top to bottom], helping children make the connection between shapes and sounds, sounds and syllables, syllables and words, providing the family with events and stories to stimulate conversation and for children to learn a story has a start, middle and end.”
Are you still concerned that your homework hating offspring will balk at the idea of reading this summer?
Check out the incentives from our local libraries and see if they aren’t inspired!
Cass County Public Libraries:
Dates: June 1 – July 18
Requirements:
• Pre-readers – 25 “Read to Me Books”
• Readers - 5th Grade: 10 books
• 6th-12th Grade: 5 books
Prizes:
• Award Book
• Invitation to Final Program / Party
• Food Coupons
Johnson County Public Libraries:
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Requirements:
• Children set their own goals. School age children are encouraged to read at least six books. Participants may read or listen to books, magazines or audio books.
Prizes
• Children who complete logs by August 1 receive a free paperback book and are entered into a grand prize drawing of a personalized “READ” poster for children and a gift card for teens.
• Every time they visit the library, they may register for a chance to win a weekly prize.
Web: www.jocolibrary.org
Kansas City Public Library
Dates: June 1 – August 8
Requirements:
• Children are rewarded for every three hours of reading. Reading for 12 hours completes the programs. Pre-readers listen to “read to me books.” Readers read books at their level.
Prizes
• Prizes are awarded for every three hours of reading.
• Participants enter their names into a drawing for bigger prizes.
Web: www.kclibrary.org
Mid Continent Public Libraries:
Dates: May 26 – August 15
Requirements:
• Pre-readers – 20 “Read to Me Books” per certificate (up to five certificates)
• Readers – 10 books per certificate (up to five certificates)
• Teens – Set their own reading goals.
Prizes
• Children earn one book per list (up to five books)
• Final prize is a book or an alternate prize (like a book bag, paint set or flash drive)
Web: www.mcpl.lib.mo.us
North Kansas City Public Libraries:
Dates: June 10 – August 15
Requirements:
• Children ages 1-13 keep a log of books read throughout the summer. Every two weeks, logs are registered with librarians. A specific number of books are not required. Quality, not quantity is encouraged.
Prizes
• Every two weeks, logs are registered for prizes: Book bags, gift cards, etc.
• Raffles are held weekly for bags of gifts from children’s book publishers.
Olathe Public Libraries:
Dates: May 26 – Aug 16
Requirements:
• Children sixth grade and younger come to the library to pick up a Summer Reading folder with instructions and a reading log.
Prizes
• Turn in the complete log Aug. 3-16 for a free paperback book.
Web: www.olathe.lib.ks.us