Dayton Metro Library’s Summer Reading Clubs Focus on Educational Enrichment
Dayton Metro Library’s Summer Reading Clubs Focus on Educational Enrichment
Dayton Mom-Spot.com
May 19, 2014
The Dayton Metro Library is gearing up to offer educational enrichment, reading and discovery with Summer Reading Clubs the whole family can enjoy.
Each year thousands of children participate in the Library’s ten-week summer reading program by keeping track of the time they spend reading, enjoying free activities and earning prizes along the way. Studies have shown that children who read during the summer months can lessen “summer slide,” which describes the loss of academic skills over the summer break. With the Third-Grade Reading Guarantee effecting so many children in Montgomery County, the Library is ramping up its efforts to help children keep their reading achievement moving forward. Research shows that children who read during the summer can move their reading skills forward as much as a month.
“When children don’t read, work math problems or remain engaged in other enriching experiences, their retention is slowed, and learning can actually regress,” said Tim Kambitsch, Executive Director for the Dayton Metro Library. “Kids who participate in our Summer Reading Clubs are better prepared for school in the fall, and truly enjoy the fun experiences offered by our professional staff.”
This summer’s theme is STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Kids and teens can conduct experiments, use microscopes and explore the worlds of weather, sound, electronics, robotics and so much more.
The “Fizz Boom Read” Club, for children in preschool through grade 6, features activities and experiments that demonstrate the joy of discovery. The “Spark A Reaction” Club motivates teens in grades 7-12 to read and experience the summer in new ways, while the “Minibots” Club is designed especially for babies and toddlers to help them develop early language and literacy skills.
Summer Reading Clubs aren’t just for kids at the Dayton Metro Library. The “Literary Elements” Club is perfect for adults. Programs range from chemistry in the kitchen to the science of healthy living, plus popular topics such as Dayton’s rich history and computer classes. Special guests and speakers on a variety of topics will offer entertaining and informative programs all summer.
“We are proud to join forces with key educational partners, such as Learn to Earn Dayton, ReadySetSoar, and nearly every school district and summer camp in the area to provide programs that encourage reading and learning throughout the summer months,” said Kambitsch.
To help remove barriers for participation, the Library has introduced a new children’s Summer Reading Club card, which offers all children a chance to have their own Library card and check out materials appropriate for their age, interest and reading level. Children’s Librarians will be out in full force between now and the end of the school year to distribute information and library cards to more than 60,000 area children directly in their classrooms. In addition, the Library will provide more staff and resources to deliver services to the most underserved populations.
“This year we’ve learned from YMCA Administration that all of their summer camps will participate in the Dayton Metro Library’s reading clubs,” said Tish Wilson, Assistant Director for Youth Services at the Library. Y Camp personnel will register all of their children and support them in completing at least 15 hours of reading before the end of camp. Children’s Librarians will visit Y camps each week to encourage reading and discovery through books, science experiments and language games.
“Our Librarians are experts in getting even reluctant or struggling readers to discover books they can explore and enjoy,” said Wilson.
Summer Reading Club Kickoff programs will be held at most branches of the Dayton Metro Library in May. A community-wide kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton and features sign up information, a visit from the Bookmobile and more.
A Community Wrap-Up Party will be held on Saturday, August 9, 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Cooper Park behind the Main Library. There will be music, entertainment, interactive games and contests, all free for the whole family.
The Dayton Metro Library Summer Reading Clubs are presented by Time Warner Cable and sponsored by Vectren, Friends of the Dayton Metro Library, ReadySetSoar, Ohio Virtual Academy and the George B. Quatman Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee.
Summer Reading Clubs run May 21 through August 2. Find out about activities and join the club at any Dayton Metro Library location. A complete schedule of free activities at all Dayton Metro Libraries can be found in the summer edition of Spotlight On Your Library and online at DaytonMetroLibrary.org.