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Summer learning
By howard | July 16, 2008
It was a pleasure to read in the Providence Journal a couple of months ago about the value of summer learning (Summer learning makes a big impact by Ron Fairchild, May 29,2008). The proliferation of summer programs for kids is heartening. All Rhode Islanders should be excited about it – kids, their parents, and anyone who treasures education, economic development, quality of life, the future. Mr. Fairchild is right to cite the “study after study” that shows the importance of summer learning programs and to praise Rhode Island for pursuing them. He did, however, fail to mention the mainstay of out-of-school learning for Rhode Island children, the local public library. Throughout the state, public libraries offer quality learning opportunities for kids (and grownups) outside of school. During the school year, it’s homework help, and after school and weekend enticements.
Every summer, through the coordination of the state’s Office of Library and Information Services, Rhode Island’s public libraries offer a Summer Reading program. With a modicum of support from federal, state and municipal government and the help of such partners as the McDonald’s Restaurants of Rhode Island, Pawtucket Red Sox, Citizen’s Bank, Coca-Cola, the Providence Journal, libraries tailor library services and special events to their communities around a common theme. This year, it’s “Catch the Reading Bug!” (as highlighted in a Providence Journal Newspaper in Education Supplement May 19, 2008.) Replete with prizes, presentations and other incentives to keep their minds operating through summer vacation, the libraries provide kids with a fun place to learn.
By working together within the state and by participating in the 45 state Collaborative Summer Library Program, libraries are able to keep costs down and leverage a very small government contribution to produce a very large impact in every RI community. By partnering with local businesses and agencies that serve children, libraries stretch the government dollar even farther. The Summer Reading Program is available to every kid in Rhode Island.
Last year 13,744 kids participated. Twenty-one libraries last year had teen summer reading programs as well. Bradley Hospital and the Meeting Street School helped assure that disabilities would not be a deterrent to participation. Well over half of the participants completed their local library’s program. Upward of 17,000 attended 272 special events. Funding is always a challenge; diminishing state and federal contributions meant a decrease in the number of events at libraries last year, only some of which was made up through local grants and donations. Despite the funding situation, however, this year, libraries are expecting even more excitement and more participation. Knowing what libraries are doing on a shoestring, consider what they could do with more.
“Catch the Reading Bug!” will be different at every library, but will include great reading experiences, of course, storytellers, magic, edutainment and entomophagy. A Summer Reading Club for teens at many libraries will feature “Metamorphosis@ Your Library” with special programs in the young adult department. Summer Reading Program information is available at the local library; a statewide schedule of performances and presentations is posted at www.olis.ri.gov/services/srp.
We’re in the midst of summer now, and young minds in every corner of Rhode Island are keeping active through the Summer Reading Program at their local public library. They will consequently return to school next fall that much more ready to learn. Educators, legislators, policy makers at all levels should be thinking library whenever they consider after school or summer learning
Topics: General | 1 Comment »
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
Thanks for this blog Howard. I hope others have found it as helpful as I. While the OLIS website provides much information, your blog adds a friendly approachable ‘face’ and voice at the State level!
Love this piece on the value of the summer reading program! So much work and such wonderful impact.
Will excerpt or link to it in our fall newsletter, Friend to Friend, in Tiverton.