Public library summer reading programs in the region

Don’t let the summer slide affect your students! In the CMLE region we’re lucky enough to have two great public libraries with two great summer reading programs. Below are the two press releases from ECRL and GRRL about their summer reading programs. Get those kids signed up now and keep on reading!


ECRLEast Central Regional Library – 2015 – Read to the Rhythm Summer Reading Program

Have you heard?  It’s time to Read to the Rhythm at your local East Central Regional Library branch. Our libraries will be hoppin’ and boppin’ all summer long.  This music-themed program encourages children and teens to read through the summer. There will be a program for both kids and teens. Stop by your local ECRL library branch and pick up a flyer listing all the activities and events offered this summer for both kids and teens. You can also check out the News Bits section or the events calendar on our webpage at www.ecrlib.org for the big events being held around the region.

There will be contests, special programs and events, reading logs and prizes and tons of fun. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss and those students who participate in their local summer reading program do better in school than those that do not. To kick-off the Read to the Rhythm summer program, the Teddy Bear Band will be performing at each of our 14 branch libraries.

Plus our Outreach program will be getting in the groove as well as every Outreach site will also be offering a children’s Read to the Rhythm program at each of our 7 sites. Glen Everhart will be presenting his Heebie Jeebies program at each of the Outreach sites as well. So hop and bop on over to your ECRL branch or Outreach Site this summer and Read to the Rhythm.


GRRLGreat River Regional Library – 2015 – Read to the Rhythm Summer Reading Program

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will begin its annual Summer Reading Program for children and teens ages 0-18 on Monday, June 8, continuing through Saturday, Aug. 8. Two programs are offered, both with the theme, “Read To The Rhythm.” Both programs will feature activities built on a music theme, and include prize drawings.

The Read To The Rhythm program for children from birth through age 12 has two age groups:

  • Children from birth to age 5
  • Children from age 3 through 6th grade

Parents of children ages 3 to 5 may choose which group is best for their child.

Children in both groups will be given a reading record on which to mark their reading activities. Children may read as much as they want and complete as many records as they like. Each record represents five hours of reading. Reading records must be completed and returned to the library by the end of the program in order for the child to be eligible for prize drawings.

Teens in grades six through 12 are encouraged to complete and turn in reading records as the program progresses. Each completed reading record is an opportunity to win prizes in library prize drawings. Sixth-grade students may join either the teen or children’s program.

The goal for both programs is to encourage children to read during the summer school break. The Summer Reading Program emphasizes reading for pleasure, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on children’s reading skills. Participation in summer reading programs has been shown to reduce summer slide effects.

Libraries across the entire region are planning fun kick-off programs and special events to encourage participation. Numerous musicians will perform at area libraries. Singer/songwriter Paul Spring will perform at all 32 GRRL locations between June 8 and June 20. Check the events calendar on www.griver.org to find out about special programs at your local library.