Summer Reading Clubs Inspire Kids

School is winding down, but public libraries across the province are gearing up for another summer of programs and activities designed to engage youth.

Nova Scotia’s public libraries offer a variety of reading programs to help children explore their interests and foster a love of reading, all summer long.

“Summer reading clubs inspire kids to read in a fun and social way, they get to choose the books they want to read, talk about them with their friends, visit the library to get prizes and join in on some of the many exciting programs that are happening,” said Jennifer Atkinson, youth services librarian at Cumberland Public Libraries.

One club being offered at many libraries is the TD Summer Reading Club, a joint initiative with Library and Archives Canada. This year’s theme is Play.

“Summer is a time for fun and play; the program aims to encourage kids to see reading as play, and help them realize those same carefree feelings that are inspired by play can be found just as easily in reading a great book,” said Jennifer Evans, provincial librarian.

Libraries have summer programs for all ages and interests with everything from storytimes to puppet shows, craft programs to outdoor games, Lego robotics to computer gaming, science, technology, gardening, art, engineering challenges, book clubs, games, contests, prizes and more.

“Children are always looking to explore their interests and imaginations, and there is no better place to do it than at the public library, with 78 branches throughout the province, there is something for everyone,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince.

Studies show students who read over the summer do better in school.

In 2014, more than 13,500 children and teens participated in more than 1,500 summer reading programs and activities in public libraries across the province, reading more than 126,000 books.

Summer Reading Program kick-off parties are planned for the end of the month and the program runs until the end of August. More information about reading clubs activities and special events are available at public libraries. A map of Nova Scotia public libraries and links to each region can be found at library.novascotia.ca/map .

Source: Release