Summer reading programs offer kids, teens and adults ways to stay engaged

Summer is here and kids (of all ages) are invited to hit the books for fun and to prevent the “summer slide.” The phenomenon in which educational regression takes place during the out-of-classroom months can keep kids lagging in learning. According to one study published in the “American Educational Research Journal,” the average student lost 17 to 34 percent of the prior year’s learning gains during summer break. Additionally, students who return to the classroom behind her or his peers are likely to continue widening the gap over subsequent summers.

The solution? Keep those minds active and engaged until classes are back in session. Reading can contribute to developing greater literacy skills and confidence before students hit the classroom. Fortunately, local libraries provide the tools parents need to prevent the summer slide — and at no additional cost. Here are a few options to check out at a library near you.

• Dayton Metro Library: Dayton Metro Library is excited to host our annual summer reading program. This year, it’s a different kind of Summer Challenge with lots of new activities that count towards goals. You can check out digital and physical books (of course!), watch wonderful online performances, participate in virtual summer camps, complete electronic activities, or enjoy any school, parent or community organization’s recommended enrichment activities. All your fun this summer adds up, helping you earn fun prizes! Prizes are awarded by age group (birth – Kindergarten, grades 1 – 6, grades 7 – 12). One grand prize winner will receive a $2,529 College Savings Award from CollegeAdvantage.

• Greene County Public Libraries: Track your Summer Reading Club progress on your phone through Beanstack or with a paper log from your community library. Prizes are available for Young Children (ages 0-5), Kids (ages 6-11), Teens (ages 12-18) and adults (ages 18 and older). Get a free summer reading T-shirt during kickoff events at various Greene County library branches. Stop by the library throughout June and July for special programs, like visits from residents at the Newport Aquarium.

• Troy-Miami County Library: You can track your reading progress either on paper or online with Beanstack! You can find paper logs at your favorite library location, create an account with the Beanstack App, or visit https://tmcpl.beanstack.org for more details. Paper and online reading logs are set to track reading in 15-minute increments. Every time you read or listen to any story you can log your time (that includes hearing stories at storytime or reading for a book club). Once you reach 5 hours you’ll be eligible for a chance to win cool prizes! The more you read, the more chances you have to win. Printable Reading Logs are available below. Drop your entries in the prize boxes at the library. 
• Arcanum Public Library: Patrons of all ages can participate in the Summer Reading Program. There are reading challenges, weekly programming for children, special events, take home crafts, prizes, and more. All of the events are drop-in and free of charge.
• Washington Centerville Public Library: It’s free to join any of the summer reading clubs, including baby/toddler (newborn to 36 months), children’s (preschool to grade 5), teen (grades 6-12), or adult (age 18 and older). Sign up for events and programs and enter to win prizes like Amazon gift cards for books you read (or that someone reads to you). 
• Family Summer Film Fest: The Neon movie theater, in partnership with ThinkTV PBS and The Dayton Metro Library, will kick off a 6-week series of free Family Films on Saturday mornings. Each week, doors will open at 10:30 a.m., and tickets will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Events will start with a Read-Along video and continue with programming from the PBS Kids library. Children will leave each screening with activity books and other materials to promote continued learning over the summer.