Library Set to Kick-off Two Summer Reading Programs for Kids

From the City of Evanston:

Every summer for almost 40 years, the Evanston Public Library’s Summer Reading Game keeps kids reading through the summer months. Children who stop reading often fall behind while those who are encouraged to read more have a head start when they return to school in September.

Registration has begun for this year’s Game - Take Flight, inspired by the peregrine falcons that are nesting in the window boxes of the third floor of the Main Library in downtown Evanston. Children can begin recording their reading as soon as they register. Prizes will be awarded for reading nine total hours and for weekly visits. The game will run from June 13-July 30.

The 2011 Summer Reading Game can be played at all six sites in English and Spanish. This year, every child’s reading record is available to librarians at every site, so s/he can play at any or all of the sites listed below.

The theme of the teen summer reading program is A Midsummer Loft's Dream. Middle schoolers and teens can visit www.epl.org/teens to find a variety of activities throughout the summer and a suggested reading list. Evanston teens will be facilitating book discussions in the Loft and at other locations in Evanston, as well.

EPL’s ultimate goal is to make the Summer Reading Game an exciting part of every child’s summer throughout the city. In recent years, the Library has increased its registrations to the program by over 200 children per year by partnering with Evanston’s schools. Neighborhood Services Librarians are currently visiting all District 65 schools as well as most Evanston private schools for Summer Reading Game assemblies to get the word out about the program.

For more information about EPL’s Summer Reading Game, call the Children’s Department at 847/448-8610. Information on volunteering at Summer Reading Game sites is available at www.cityofevanston.org/resident/volunteer.

To find out more about supporting the Summer Reading Game, contact Library Administration at 847/448-8650 or go to www.epl.org/comment. A gift of $10 will sponsor one child’s reading game for a full summer.