CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — With summer vacation almost coming to an end, the Corpus Christi Public Library wants to let the community know there is still time to take part in its summer reading programs.
This is a great way to encourage young readers to visit the library and continue reading while school is still out for the summer.
This summer's reading program theme is "Universe of Stories" with a focus on space, science, technology and magic.
Throughout the summer, children ages 12 and under are encouraged to participate in reading activities, hands-on events and a variety of programs based on the theme of space exploration.
“Each summer there is a different theme. This particular year it is 'Universe of Stories.' The anniversary is coming of Apollo 11 and so this was one of the themes chosen. It was chosen by a calibration of libraries, and it is sort of a theme throughout several states that participate,” said Youth Services Librarian Patricia Herrera.
The La Retama Central Library is one of six city libraries taking part in this summer reading program.
“We try to instill the love of books, instill the love of learning, and not just reading, but, as I mentioned, we do a lot of science activities and really try to work in the STREAM, which is science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math,” said Herrera.
Programs like this keep students from decline in academic and reading skills. Numerous studies show that kids who don’t read during summer vacation actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall. It's called "summer slide”.
“It is a program to encourage children to continue to read, especially those preparing for school or those who are in school so that they don’t lose skills that they have learned throughout the year. They continue to read, they continue to build on those skills so when they go back to school they retain a lot of what they learn as far as reading skills are concerned,” said Herrera.
Throughout the summer, the library will host daily events including science activities, family movie nights, musical performances and crafts.
“We also have the reading club portion of it where the child or an adult signs up for the reading club. They earn a token for every five books they check out and every program they attend. So they are earning these points by reading, earning these points by participating in these literacy programs, and then choosing their rewards,” said Herrera.
The reading programs are year round and this summer reading program will run until August 17. So there is still plenty of time to take part in these activities.
For more information on the Summer Challenge and a complete schedule of events visit: www.cctexas.com/library or call (361) 826-7055.
The benefits of summer reading programming for children:
• Children are motivated to read.
• Children develop positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library.
• Children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation.
• Children have access to experiences that further their sense of discovery.
• Children have access to experiences through which they can learn to work cooperatively.
