Summer Reading

For most of you summer is in full swing and that means ball games, soccer, swim lessons, play dates, yard work and so much more.  As an avid reader and past teacher I am a firm believer in the importance of summer reading for kids.  There really is such a thing as summer learning loss and by taking just a bit of time each day to read something (books, comics, magazines, cereal boxes, poems...ANYTHING) your kids reading habits (and their future teachers) will thank them!

After receiving a mailing from the St. Paul Public Library about a summer reading program that they provide, I was doing a little bit of browsing on the Ramsey County Library site.  I'm a current resident myself and figured since the studio is about 2 blocks from the White Bear location I'd check out what cool things they had to offer your tots, teens and in-betweens this summer.  I'm happy to report there are LOTS of things going on at your local library locations for kids of all ages.  I found 4 things in particular from the Kids' World section of the Ramsey County Library's homepage that I've commented on below.

Bookawocky  - Through Aug. 21st, children can participate in the library's summer reading program.  The program is designed to inspire children of all ages to read as much as they would like in the summer months.  There is a special tracking sheet for ages 4 and under and a "minutes" recording sheet for children 5-12.  Either way your children can present their recording sheets at various times throughout their reading for prizes!

PAWS To READ - On Tuesdays (June 28th, July 19th and July 26th) children between the ages of 5 and 8 can work on their reading skills by reading to registered therapy dogs in the library's comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where doegs listen and don't "tease, laugh, or judge".  Register your little one for your 20 min. slot through the Shoreview Ramsey County Library.  

Family Film Night - Also on Tuesday July 26th and Aug. 23rd at 6:30 p.m. enjoy movie classics on the big screen at the Maplewood Ramsey Couny Library.  Contact Maplewood for movie titles. 

Creative Canvas Art Club - On Thursday July 7th and 14th at 2pm children ages 7 to 12 can join the Creative Canvas Art Club to create paintings with oil pastels.  Space is limited; Registration has already begun for the Shoreview library location.  Call the Children's Librarian, Angie at 651-486-2314 to register.

There are so many more cool activities to check out so don't stop at the 4 that I reported on.  There are various special events, storytime slots (even in various languages) and Make and Take Storytimes too!  Please take advantage of the fun opportunities your local library has for you and your family.  It could mean the difference between summer learning loss and a continued love of reading and learning. 

~ Kristen