JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaksa -- The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Library will be hosting a “Reading Colors Your World” summer reading program June 1 through July 31.
The program encourages more reading, and participants of all ages will be able to win prizes and attend learning events throughout the summer.
Reading is tracked by the minute, and as more time is logged participants will receive notifications that new prizes are unlocked and available to pick up at the library.
The program even allows those not old enough to read themselves to participate. Minutes spent reading to younger children counts for the program and there is a special selection of prizes for children 4 years old and younger.
One of the biggest benefits of the summer reading program is to help offset the “summer slide,” where reading and comprehension skills degrade between school years.
“If kids don’t read over the summer then they lose their skill for reading,” said Pamela Medolo, the JBER Library director. “Summer reading gives them an opportunity and encourages them to read over the summer and read what they want to read. It isn’t a textbook, there isn’t assigned reading, it is something they can pick out for themselves.”
Along with supplying prizes, the JBER Library will be hosting an array of events based around this year’s theme of “Reading Colors Your World.” There will be virtual classes for painting, tie-dying shirts, cooking, and several others designed to explore nature, culture, and humanity.
The library will also be putting on a “book walk” to encourage getting outside and enjoying reading in a different setting. Pages will be laminated and spread along a walking trail to be able to read a page at a time while getting some exercise and sunlight.
“Families can take a walk and they can read a book in order as they are walking,” explained Jody Evans, a JBER Library reference librarian. “That is something they can actually come out and do an activity to get out of the house for the summer and we’re really excited about that.”
Signing up for the program is free of charge, with registration opening on June 1. Minutes are able to be logged immediately and prizes claimed as soon as they are earned. To register, visit https://elmendorfrichardson.beanstack.org.
For more information about the program or events being hosted, contact the JBER Library at (907) 384-1640.