Libraries Tantalize With Summer Reading Perks

Summer reading programs begin at area libraries June 4 and run for five weeks, offering incentives, entertainment and special encouragement for the youngest readers in kindergarten through second grade.

“Multiple studies have proven beyond a doubt that children who continue reading during the summer perform better when they return to school in the fall,” said State Librarian Richard Burns. “They score higher on standardized tests, and are more actively engaged in the classroom.” Burns also invites teachers to share their reading lists for their out-of-school students.

Registration starts May 29 at the Waimanalo, Kailua, Kaneohe and Kahuku libraries, along with all other Hawaii libraries. Most will offer a variety of professional entertainment plus a reading finale in early July.

Themes are “Dream Big, READ” for children, “Own the Night” for teenagers and “Between the Covers” for adults. Performances will be listed soon at librarieshawaii.org.