State Library Hosts Summer Reading Kick-off Event

  • Who: Kids of all ages and their families and caregivers
  • What: Summer Reading Kick-off Event
  • When: Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Where: Maine State Library, 230 State Street, Augusta, Maine
  • Why: Summer reading is fun and has been shown to help kids be more prepared when they return to school in the fall

As the school year comes to a close and thoughts turn to vacation plans, the Maine State Library is hosting a summer reading kick-off event aimed at getting kids to read at least 20 minutes a day during school break.

On Saturday, June 18 kids and adults of all ages are invited to attend "In YOUR Backyard," a program featuring activities and games at the Maine Cultural Building at 230 State Street in Augusta. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in storytelling sessions, craft making as well as a number of physical activities including bocce, corn hole toss, croquet and hula hoops.

Wild birds and educators from the Wind Over Wings wildlife center in Dresden will be on hand for an educational program and question and answer opportunities about the birds in their care.

?We know that some kids lose up to two months of reading achievement during school break in a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the ?summer learning slide?,? said Maine State Librarian, James Ritter. ?But when those same students have the opportunity to read a book of their choosing for just 20 minutes a day during summer vacation they improve their literacy skills and are much more prepared to succeed when school starts in the fall.?

Libraries throughout Maine offer summer reading programs to encourage literacy skills and love of reading. Check your local library for information about events near you.

Any Maine resident is eligible to apply for a free library card at the Maine State Library. For more information about the Maine State Library summer reading event, contact Alison Maxell at 207-287-5600.