Library Summer Reading Programs

When we packed for summer vacation as a kid, most of my bag was stuffed with library books. Running out of pages was worse than a rainy day at the beach! With all those school-free days ahead of us, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Rochester including Summer Reading Programs across the county. These programs offer opportunities for families to share in the gift of reading.

Years of research tells us that early exposure to books can help children develop language, cognitive, and literacy skills, and prepare them for academic success. Additionally, reading is the greatest builder of social and emotional skills like identifying emotions, curiosity, perspective taking, goal setting, decision making, persistence, and identifying and solving problems.

Reading alongside our children bonds us through the act of sitting without interruption, making observations about the pages (and thus, the world around us), and transporting us through space and time. There are literally no downsides to reading. Two additional items, though, move the needle even more: kids choosing their own books and having access to them. Libraries provide both.

Our Great Library System

Libraries house thousands of print and electronic material available for free. They are the most sacred spaces in a community, from my perspective, bridging divides like no other physical space. Everyone is welcome in the library and is the heart of our communities. We’re so fortunate to live within a massive library system; libraries are located throughout Monroe County, many of which are near public transportation. They’re even air-conditioned!

Now as a mom, when I pack for trips, the very first thing I check is that my Kindle is in my bag. I take great delight in “stocking it” from Libby. (Did you know you can check out E-Books from Monroe County libraries onto your phone or family iPad?) I bring several of my toddler’s favorite books on a trip for familiarity and always bring one or two she hasn’t seen before, something that might not only capture her attention with its novelty but also introduce her to something new that might become a new favorite.

Despite the fact that she is on the move nearly all of her waking minutes, the power of a good story is getting her to sit still to flip through the pages cuddled up next to me. My own love of reading came from my parents reading to me or reading their own books in my presence; I want to model this for our children even when reading feels luxurious when the to-do list is long.

To get you started, here is Scholastic’s 50 Must Read Picture Books for Summer. (Picture books can be for everyone!) Before visiting a library, make a list of books you want to check out or let your family members wander to see what catches their eyes.

“Read–aloud is a prescription for lifelong success for the child and a dose of deep well-being for the family.“

– Pam Allyn, Senior Vice President, Innovation & Development, Scholastic Education

Library Summer Reading Programs

In the summer, their power to transform and transport takes on superhero status through their Summer Reading Programs which incentivizes reading and offers even more programming than the rest of the year. This year’s theme at many of our Monroe County Libraries include “adventure” which is apt for a summer reading program! Each book offers us a chance at adventure.