— Public libraries throughout the state, including libraries in Hays and across Western Kansas, are providing summer reading programs and encouraging Kansas children to spend lots of time with books.
State Librarian Jo Budler said, “There is only one known cure for the notorious ‘summer slide’—reading. Students who do not read during summer months lose reading skills and fall behind their peers. Our librarians have developed programs and activities to foster a love of reading and develop strong reading skills in Kansas’ children. Getting Kansas readers to their local public libraries is the first step.”
Last year, over 88,000 Kansas children participated in public library reading programs that were partially funded by the State Library of Kansas. Studies find that when children participate in summer reading programs, the ability to improve their academic outcome increases dramatically and the impact is greatest for those who live in poverty.
Mary Boller of Northwest Kansas Library System said, “We feel the Collaborative Summer Library Program helps level the playing field for our struggling learners here in Kansas who may lose valuable knowledge during the summer months and in turn gives our public libraries the resources and the support they need to continue to provide the highest level of programming for all children and teens regardless of income or circumstances.”
This year, the State Library of Kansas contributed $37,500 to support summer reading programs across the state. Local public libraries leverage these funds to great effect. In 2012, when granted the same amount of State Library funding, Kansas libraries reported they received $707,228 worth of donated materials and services to support summer reading and that libraries spent $493,998 of local funds on their summer reading programs.
The State Library of Kansas helps fund local public libraries’ participation in the Collaborative Summer Library Program; this year’s theme is “Dig Into Reading.” The State Library also provides summer programing and resources to teens and adults who are visually impaired and cannot read standard print through Kansas Talking Books. Kansans 14 years of age or older are invited to learn more about Talking Books and its summer reading program by calling 1-800-362-0699 or emailing [email protected].
Summer reading participants can also win prizes by signing up for the Governor’s “Read Kansas Read” program. Visit www.readkansasread.ks.gov for more information on this program.