Worcester Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is back with fun programming, activities, and prizes for young children.
This year’s theme, Read Beyond the Beaten Path, developed by iRead for libraries across the country, encourages children and families to explore books and the outdoors.
“Reading is our primary focus but we’re also incorporating other aspects of health and wellness this year,” says WPL’s Cynthia Bermudez. “It’s important to get exercise and fresh air, and to enjoy rest and relaxation after a difficult school year due to the pandemic.”
Summer Reading books, storytime, and activities at WPL branches, summer camps, and nature areas
WPL’s Summer Reading 2022 includes suggested books plus featured illustrators and authors like Dave Pilkey, Jessica Gibson, Kayla Miller, and Steenz. Children and their parents are encouraged to make their own choices as well.
In addition, activities are taking place all summer long, including:
- Summer Reading Celebrations at all WPL branches
- Library activities like campfire stories and a scary story contest
- Reading and book giveaways at local summer camps such as WHA’s Summer Camp, and storytime at outdoor recreation areas like Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
- Children and families can log their reading time via Beanstack and earn prizes for reaching milestones (Learn more below)
For more information, check out WPL’s online calendar.
WPL Summer Reading kicked off on June 4th but you can get started online or in-person at any time.
Reading is its own reward, but a little added incentive can only help
WPLs Summer Reading program inspires children to read by rewarding them with tickets for fun prizes. Sign up via Beanstack and log your reading time as you go.
- Children earn a ticket for every 100 minutes of reading (or story time), activity completed, and book review written
- Tickets are entered into drawings for grand prizes such as binoculars, games or a free week of camp in 2023
- Additionally, children earn a bonus prize if they reach 1,000 minutes of reading
An added focus on STEM subjects
It’s well-documented that storytime and reading from an early age improves literacy, comprehension, and academic performance later in life. It’s now known that early math also improves language comprehension and literacy.
That’s why WPL’s Summer Reading program has evolved to include STEM learning such as math activities and math-themed books. Activities are listed on the library’s online calendar.
Be a role model: show children how fun reading can be
When adults and older siblings read with children or on their own, it inspires young ones to do the same. That’s one reason WPL offers Summer Reading experiences for teens and adults, too.
“If parents are modeling that reading is fun and participating then kids are more likely to follow in their footsteps,” says Bermudez.
Start Summer Reading today! Visit any WPL branch or sign up online.
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