June 2, 2010
Summertime, and the readin’ is easy!
Chandler libraries offer multiple summer reading programs for all ages
All four Chandler public libraries – Downtown, Basha, Hamilton and Sunset – have free, age appropriate reading programs currently underway and offering prize incentives to encourage reading during the summer months and beyond.
Summer reading programs can help parents prepare their children for a lifetime of reading. These programs help school-age children sustain or advance their reading skill levels during the long, slow summer break. And teenagers and adults can enjoy a variety of benefits from reading, while also modeling good learning habits for children.
The three Summer Reading Programs started on June 1 and continue through July 31, 2010. They are:
- Extra! Extra! Read Your Way to the Ballpark! (birth through 18 years old)
By reading or listening to a book for 20 minutes, reading 50 pages of any book, or completing one book, the participants advance on a game board and earn prizes along the way. Readers who reach the finish line can earn bonus prizes, including a ticket to a Diamondbacks baseball game. Now in its 10th year, this program is co-sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks and The Arizona Republic. Last year, more than 104,000 kids participated through various public libraries in Maricopa County.
- Reading is Delicious (ages 12-18)
By reading for just 16 hours, teen participants receive a journal, a book bag and a free meal from Chipotle Mexican Grill. There are also weekly drawings for Krispy Kreme donuts, Dominos Pizza and more. The grand prize drawings include a laptop computer, $400 Visa gift card, a flat screen TV and a 32 GB IPAD. The Friends of the Chandler Public Library and Chipotle also sponsor the teen summer reading program.
- Treasure Reading (adults 18 and older)
Adult participants fill out a slip for each book they read from June 1 through July 31. The slips must be deposited in the box at the reference desk at each library. A $20 gift card drawing is held each week, and a $50 gift card Grand Prize drawing will be held at the end of the program. The Friends of the Chandler Public Library also sponsor this program.
Details on all of these reading programs and a variety of summer activities are available online at www.chandlerlibrary.org.
High Five Reading Together
Another reading program at all Chandler Public Libraries is High Five Reading Together, which is specifically designed to help parents with very young children. High Five started earlier this year and is an ongoing program that will continue at least through the end of the year and possibly beyond.
- High Five Reading Together (birth through age 5)
Parents with babies, toddlers and infants up to five years of age can participate in the High Five Reading Together program during Storytime sessions at each library. The ongoing program provides parents with resources, such as activity cards with vocabulary words, reading and prereading tips, and book recommendations for those under 18 months. When parents and children attend a weekly library Storytime session they receive a new activity card, part of a collectible set. They will also receive a supplemental Road to Reading placemat that they can personalize with photos and stickers as helpful reminders to stay on a reading schedule.
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