Library programs keep young minds engaged
Walk into The Bozeman Public Library this summer and you’ll likely hear the children before you see them. Giggles, excited questions, and the happy buzz of little minds at work will fill the Children’s Room as they gather for our annual summer reading program. Last year more than 3,000 kids and families participated in the reading program which featured events, activities, creative workshops, reading lists and logs, and a free breakfast and lunch courtesy of the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
A Universe of Stories is the theme of the 2019 summer reading program which kicks off June 8th. “Our summer programs are designed to keep children reading, learning, and engaging in their communities during the critical summer months. These programs are more than fun and entertainment, they help combat the “summer slide,” says Cindy Christin, Head of Children’s Services.
The summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn’t in session. Numerous studies show that kids, especially grades K-2, who don’t read during summer vacation actually slip in reading ability by the time autumn rolls around. Kids from low-income households and underserved communities are especially vulnerable.
This summer, in collaboration with our local schools, we are encouraging kids to read 100 books over the summer. . . or 2,000 pages! This means either one short book a day OR 20 pages a day. Books can be checked out at the Library, the Bookmobile, or if a student goes to Meadowlark, Hyalite, or Emily Dickinson, they can visit their school library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from June 18 – August 15 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Bozeman Public Library summer reading program is funded by private donations. Because of donors like you, Gallatin Valley kids will enjoy engaging programs that capture their imagination and spark their love of reading and learning all summer long.
To learn more, sign up, or support our summer reading programs call the children’s desk at 406-582-2404 or click here.
