As a life-long children's librarian and Youth Services Manager at Wilmette Public Library, I've been running Summer Reading programs for over 25 summers. Here are a few reasons why I'm really proud of our library's Summer Reading Club:
1. It's simple and easy. Kids read what they like, for as long as they like. District 39 students received reading logs at school but you can pick one up at the library or print one here! To participate, kids simply mark a day on their log if they did any amount of reading that day. After 10 and 20 days they can check in at the reporting booth, whenever the library is open.
2. Our program is evidence-based. Studies show that reading enjoyment grows when children choose their own reading material and have access to books. We don't dictate what they read or count books, minutes, or pages; requirements like these reduce reading enjoyment.
3. It's a Wilmette tradition! Wilmette kids have been checking in their reading logs at our Summer Reading Club booth for decades. It's often staffed by Wilmette teens who grew up participating in Summer Reading Club.
4. The prize is a book! Kids who finish their reading log choose from a cart full of brand new paperback picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and nonfiction. They can even keep going with a second log to win a second book!
5. Little ones can participate and choose a picture book prize by logging days someone reads to them.
Also, I just love seeing kids come into the children's room in their flip flops, hair still damp from swimming, making the library a part of their summer memories.
Summer Reading runs through August 31. Pick up a reading log at the library or print one on our website to get started. We hope to see you and your kiddos often this summer, with armfuls of books!
Summer Reading Club prizes are funded by the Friends of the Wilmette Public Library.