SAUGUS — The summer program “Oceans of Possibilities,” will open at the Saugus Public Library.
Registration begins Monday June 20, and the program runs through Aug. 26. All programs are free.
“Summer reading is critical for children, especially emerging readers,” said Amy Melton, head of the children’s department at Saugus Public Library. “If you don’t read over several summers, it has a cumulative effect on the child’s reading abilities and leaves them behind their peers.”
“Oceans of Possibilities” is intended to reduce what is known as the “Summer Slide” — the learning loss experienced between school years — that can leave students dramatically behind their peers. To avoid “Summer Slide,” the library suggests creating a reading routine for the kids.
“At the same time of day, turn off the media, sit with a child, and enjoy a good story,” the library press release said.
The Saugus Public School District recommends that kids read at least 20 minutes a day during the summer. For developing this habit, the library recommends reading with the children when they read, or letting them read to you, and most importantly — letting them read what they love.
Diversity is essential for keeping the reading routine, and the materials might not just be books on the bookshelves at home, library representatives say. With your Saugus Public Library card you can access a digital collection of thousands of ebooks and audiobooks that are available to download for any kind of tablet or phone.
“If you want to listen to “Harry Potter” in the car, you can easily do it,” said Melton.
Families are encouraged to register for the “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading Program using the easy-to-download Beanstack app that is designed to manage the reading challenges. Register under the Saugus Public Library.
“It’s like a Fitbit for reading — but includes lots of fun activities and links to ocean themed stories, drawing lessons, and informative videos about the oceans and ocean animals,” reads the press release.
All the programs come with prizes. There will be a prize cart with books and toys, gift cards, and vouchers donated by local businesses, and even reading brag tags and colorful beads, as kids love watching the chain grow as they record their reading.
“We will have grand-prize drawings for whale watches, sailboat rides, and tickets to visit the beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium. Deadline for grand-prize drawings is Aug. 2,” the release says.
In addition to the ocean theme, the library will be offering its annual educational and enriching activities throughout the summer, including story times, summer reading enrichment for grades K-1 and 2-3, live animal programs, a magician, a life-size humpback whale, Take & Make crafts, and more.
For more information, check the library’s online event calendar, or to register, please visit www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading-program/. You can also register in person at the library.
Oksana Kotkina can be reached at [email protected].
