The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge Keeps Kids Learning

by Cheryl Wolfe, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

In addition to enjoying stories and providing an opportunity for family time, the library’s summer reading program aims to curb the “summer slide.” Studies show that:

• Reading 20 minutes a day throughout the summer can prevent students from losing progress made during the previous school year.

• Students who read recreationally perform better academically than students who do not read outside of school.

• Even reading just four or five books over the summer can significantly impact middle school readers.

• Children read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.

Kids: Ready for a fun summer reading challenge? This year, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will offer summer reading for all ages from June 1 –July 31. Reading over the summer supports children’s educational gains and offers a fun way for kids to read and learn when school is not in session. Here’s your guide to reading with your public library and helping your children build reading into their summer routine.

Sign up at HCPLC.org/Summer and track your reading progress through the library’s digital platform, Beanstack, or on the Beanstack app. Anyone can download the free Beanstack app for Android or Apple to get started, or track on a computer on the Beanstack website.

Scan Here

to get the app and links to summer reading suggestions for all ages!

Register your child or each family member and then log the time spent reading. For kids and teens, just track and submit the number of hours you read to them or that they read independently, and they can earn digital badges for reading and for participating in fun summer activities. There are prizes, too!

TO GET STARTED:

1. Visit HCPLC.org/Summer.

2. Register early and track your reading starting June 1.

3. Borrow books from your local branch or download them from HCPLC.org/eBooks.

Books aren’t the only option; kids can read magazines, audiobooks, comics, graphic novels and web articles for their reading hours. These reading materials can be especially beneficial to readers who are struggling or who need to be persuaded to pick up a book.

If you need to coax your children to the library, there’s more to do than picking up books. Summer event highlights include animal encounters, magic shows and science programs that will both educate and entertain.

Share your family’s summer reading adventures with us. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @TampaHillsLib #813Reads #HCPLC23Summer.

This year’s summer reading community partners are Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, Hillsborough County, Friends of the Library of TampaHillsborough County, Inc., and the TampaHillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation.

You can also search the library website HCPLC.org/Books or chat with your local library staff about your reading interests for a personalized suggestion.