This year’s science-themed reading challenge runs from June 7 through Aug. 23
HENDERSON, Nev. – Using “science” as the theme, Henderson Libraries’ annual Summer Reading Challenge began June 7 and will run through Aug. 23. While the program is available for all ages, for children, participation helps combat the cumulative learning loss that typically occurs in students during the summer months when kids are out of school, dubbed the “summer slide.”
On average, children are estimated to lose approximately one full month’s worth of skills over their summer vacation time as a result of a lack of exposure to educational practices during the break. Documented studies indicate that those students who participate in a public library reading program when not in school over the summer then go on to achieve better scores in reading achievement tests at the beginning of the following school year. This is true for children in all socioeconomic circumstances. Children who read over the summer are better able to combat this educational loss, which is particularly prevalent during longer breaks such as the summer vacation.
The Henderson Library system organizes an annual Summer Reading Challenge in an effort to keep kids’ reading and learning skills sharp throughout the summer by offering incentives and support that encourage children to read more.
This year’s theme is “Fizz Boom Read” for children age 0 – 11 and “Spark a Reaction” for teens and tweens age 12 – 17. Adults are encouraged to participate as well; the theme for readers 18 and older is “Literary Elements.”
Prizes and rewards for each group include:
FOR CHILDREN
Preschool-aged children color in a shape for every 15 minutes of listening to a book being read to them. At two-and-a-half hours, they can choose a prize from their home library’s treasure box, then pick another prize at five hours and a third at seven-and-a-half hours. At 10 hours of “reading,” they receive a coupon from Great Harvest Bread Co. for a free cookie.
School-aged readers fill out a reading log and pick out prizes after reading five hours, 10 hours and 15 hours, respectively. Kids who log 20 reading hours receive a book and a ticket to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
FOR TEENS
Teens are entered into a weekly prize drawing when they read for two hours per week. At 20 hours of reading, they receive a book.
FOR ADULTS
Adults log the time they spend reading rather than the specific number of books, so time spent reading e-books and magazines counts toward the total, as do non-traditional platforms like listening to audio books and even reading to young children. Attendance at a Henderson Library book club or other program also counts as one hour of reading. For each hour of reading time logged, adults earn one entry into Henderson Libraries’ weekly and grand prize drawings.
Those readers who are interested in joining the Summer Reading Challenge can register online at mypubliclibrary.com or in person at any of Henderson Libraries’ four locations, with the exception of the Heritage Park facility, which is age-restricted to those age 50 and older.
Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates four locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.
For additional information on Henderson Libraries, visit mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.