By Megan Miller, Editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Public Library will be conducting its annual summer reading program for people of all ages beginning June 1.
The purpose of summer reading is to have fun, but also to prevent students from experiencing the “summer slide.”
“The summer slide happens when students do not read over the summer,” said Dr. Louanne Jacobs, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Education, specializing in Children’s and Adolescent Literacy. “A student who does not read loses two to three months of the progress that he made during the school year. Students who do read during the summer gain an additional month.”
According to Jacobs, this puts students who read up to four months ahead of the students who didn’t read during the summer.
“A wonderful aspect of summer reading at the library is that children can choose to learn what they are interested in without the pressure of testing,” said Jacobs. “Reading for pleasure gives them deeper background knowledge. This is especially important for English as a second language students, and students whose parents may not model reading at home.”
The theme of this year’s summer reading program is Ready, Set Read, and will kick off at the Trussville Civic Center on June 1 with comic juggler Ron Anglin. There will also be children’s programs that include wild animals, and musical group the Sock Rockers.
Teens will kick of summer reading the same day, also at the Trussville Civic Center, with giant inflatables and other games. Students wishing to participate should have their parents stop by the young adult desk to pick up a waiver, allowing them to participate in the program. The theme for young adults is Get in the Game. Read.
Adults are welcome to participate as well through entertaining and educational programs that will be held in the adult department. There will be drawings for prizes and the theme is Exercise Your Mind. Read!
Students can earn prizes each week by reading books they check out from the library. Prizes include gift cards from local businesses, movie tickets, food coupons and more.