Gilroy Library is running a reading program that will make kids feel like they are on a gameshow.
If they read a certain number of books this summer, they can a free book, a free pass to the Children’s Discovery Museum and a free pass to Gilroy Gardens.
It’s part of the library’s move away from musty to must-see. And although the old song says “no more pencils, no more books,” the library wants to keep kids reading through the summer.
“The library is free, the library cards are free, replacement cards are free, and our programs are free. It’s just a great place to come in the summer,” said Gilroy Library’s supervising librarian, Sharon Kelly.
“For kids, we bring out magic books, or arts and crafts books, or sports activity books. It’s still reading, it’s still learning.”
Kelly believes patrons who participated in past activities appreciate the library’s efforts to offer something meaningful to the community’s children and families.
“Schools wind down during the end of the school year, well, we ramp up in the summer,” Kelly said with a smile.
Each participant in the summer reading program called the Read for the Win, Summer Reading Challenge is encouraged to read five books, (for those under 5 years old, the books can be read to you), between now and July 31. Registration for the challenge can be made in person at your local library, or online at,www.sccl.org/summer2016.
Traditional printed books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, graphic novels and audiobooks all count toward the five-book total. A reading activity log will be provided to every child who signs up for the challenge to help keep track of books read, and every person in the Summer Reading Challenge will receive a free book along with a free pass to the Children’s Discovery Museum.
For Gilroy participants there is an additional incentive. Present five library checkout receipts from five different visits to the library, along with proof of Gilroy residency and Gilroy Library card, and on your next visit to Gilroy Gardens and you will receive free admission to the park.
“It’s a really happy way to start summer,” Kelly said.
As much fun as the summer challenge is, participation in the program affords children of every age a distinct advantage.
According to the California Library Association, reading for pleasure enhances vocabulary, increases knowledge, improves memory, and concentration skills. Children who include reading in their summer activities develop stronger analytic thinking skills, improve their writing skills, and have an easier transition to the following year’s grade level.
Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), Joint Powers Authority member and Gilroy City Councilman Dion Bracco believes library patrons are afforded a great advantage.
“We are so fortunate to have places such as the Gilroy Library that offer outstanding programs geared to meet the needs of young children, teens and adults alike,” he said.
For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge go to SCCLD’s Summer Challenge website at www.sccl.org/summer2016.
