Stowe Free Library

Reading is important! Numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer prevents “summer reading loss”. Summer reading loss is cumulative. Non-readers don’t “catch up” in the fall because their classmates who are reading are moving further ahead with their skills. By the end of 6^th grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer are two years behind their classmates who do read.

Free, voluntary reading is essential to helping students become better readers, writers, and spellers. 8 out of 10 studies indicate students who read recreationally out-performed those who don’t.  Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests. Self-selection of reading materials is an important factor in motivating reluctant readers, and is a key component of most summer library programs.

(For more information on these summer reading research highlights, go to dpi.wi.gov/pld/slp.html#research. Halfway down the page is a list of government and educational websites on this topic).

One great way to keep your child reading is to have him or her join a “Dream Big- Read” Summer Reading Program at the Stowe Free Library. Children of all ages and abilities can register for a program anytime beginning June 4, 2012. Children will receive a logbook to record the titles of books or the amount of time they are reading each day. Children may also sign a contract with a librarian to decide how many books or how much time they plan on reading.

Everyone who signs up for a reading program will receive a bookbag and a free book to get them started!  Children who sign and fulfill a contract will receive a prize and a special reading certificate at the end of the summer.

Older readers may enter a raffle each time they read a book on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher or Green Mountain Book award lists, or a book on a national award list. The prize is a beach bag full of books, a towel, sunscreen, a water bottle, a beach ball & more.  The raffle will take place in July so start reading now!

Don’t fall behind! Come to the library and pick out your favorite reading materials, whether it’s a graphic novel, a mystery, a book of magic tricks, or the next book in your favorite series. Join a program, enter a contest, and have fun reading this summer. Be sure to check out our schedule of fun, free events as well. Click on the Kids & Teens Tab on the left of our homepage, then Youth Programs.

For more information, stop by the Stowe Free Library at 90 pond St in Stowe, give us a call at 253-6145, or go to our website at www.stowelibrary.org.