Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will begin its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) for children and teens ages 0-18, on Monday, June 14, continuing through August 14. Registration takes place at GRRL branch libraries beginning June 14.

The goal of the SRP is to encourage reading and to keep young readers reading during the summer months. Studies show that children who enroll in library summer reading programs maintain or improve their reading skills more than those who do not. They become better readers, and that influences their success as adults. A recent report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation draws a direct line between reading and the nation’s long-term economic well-being and recommends that children participate in summer activities that protect against summer learning loss.

All 32 branch libraries in GRRL will offer summer programs aimed at three different age groups, 0 to three, three to 12, and grades six to 12. Three-year-olds and 11 to 14 year olds may choose which program they would like to be in, but participants may only be in one SRP. The programs are:

“Make a Splash – Read to Me” for children from 0-3

The 0-3 program for babies and toddlers prepares children for continued success through the development of early language skills. Parents receive a Read-to-Me booklet and activities to do with their children. When all the activities are completed, the child receives a prize for successfully finishing the program. It’s a program designed to help kids develop the first and essential building blocks to literacy such as letter knowledge and vocabulary.

“Make a Splash – Read” for children ages 3-12

The 3-12 program provides children with a goal of nine hours of reading. The time is broken into 20 minute segments they mark off on a reading record. When the reading record is completed, the child receives a prize for successfully finishing the program.

“Make Waves @ Your Library” for teens in grades 6-12

The teen program asks teens to track their reading in 30-minute segments which they mark on coupons they then enter for local and regional incentive drawings.

The activities, prizes and supporting programs and parties provided by branch libraries are designed to keep kids involved and to make the experience one they’ll enjoy returning to each year.