It’s Summer time in Salina, Kansas, and you know what that means – Kenwood Cove, Tropical Sno, lots of summer camp opportunities, and… Salina Public Library’s Summer Reading Program!
In between fun activities like backyard barbecues, swimming, biking and trips to the park, Salina residents, adults and kids alike, have a habit of getting SMARTER during the Summer. How? By READING more!
This year, the Salina Public Library is inspiring the community to keep up this fantastic learning tradition with an ambitious goal of reading 20,000 books! Their Summer Kickoff Party is Friday, May 23, 2025, but don’t worry if you’re reading this after that date… they’ll also host end-of-season parties to celebrate the community successfully achieving our goal.
Read on to learn the many benefits of summer reading for you and your kids, and how you and your family can join in the fun and learning…
Benefits of Summer Reading - for Kids
The benefits of summer reading are crazy-good! Reading books over the summer offers numerous benefits for both kids. Here are some key wins:
- Prevents Summer Learning Loss: Reading during the summer helps kids retain academic skills, particularly reading proficiency. Studies show that students who don’t read over the summer can lose 20-25% of their reading gains from the school year, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Engaging with books keeps their skills sharp for the next school year (Sources: Reading Partners, Scholastic).
- Improves Literacy and Vocabulary: Regular reading exposes kids to new words and concepts, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension. Programs like Salina Public Library’s Summer Reading Program emphasize that reading even a few books can significantly boost literacy skills. (Sources: Scholastic, Reading Partners).
- Encourages Imagination and Creativity: Books spark imagination by immersing kids in diverse worlds and stories. This fosters creative thinking and problem-solving, as they visualize characters and scenarios (Sources: Reading Partners, Understood.org).
- Builds Empathy and Social Skills: Stories allow kids to explore different perspectives, cultures, and emotions, helping them develop empathy and better understand others (Sources: Scholastic, Understood.org).
- Boosts Confidence and Motivation: Completing books gives kids a sense of accomplishment, encouraging a love for learning. Salina Public Library’s Summer Reading Program includes incentives like prizes and a pool party at the end of the summer, further motivating kids to read (Sources: Scholastic, Reading Partners).
- Supports Mental Health: Reading can be a calming, stress-relieving activity. It provides an escape and helps kids process emotions through relatable characters and stories (Source: Understood.org).
- Enhances Focus and Discipline: Setting aside time to read helps kids practice concentration and develop routines, which are valuable life skills (Source: Scholastic).
Benefits of Summer Reading - For Adults
Turns out kids aren’t the only ones who gain from summer reading. Adults get wins, too:
- Cognitive Stimulation: Reading keeps the brain active, improving memory, focus, and critical thinking. Studies suggest that regular reading can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s (Sources: Healthline, The Reading Room).
- Stress Reduction: Reading fiction or engaging nonfiction can lower stress levels by providing an escape from daily pressures. Research from the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68% (Sources: Healthline, Reading Partners).
- Expands Knowledge and Perspective: Nonfiction books deepen understanding of topics like history, science, or culture, while fiction exposes adults to diverse viewpoints, fostering empathy and open-mindedness (Sources: The Reading Room, BookBub).
- Improves Communication Skills: Exposure to varied writing styles and vocabularies enhances language skills, making adults better communicators in professional and personal settings (Sources: Healthline, The Reading Room).
- Encourages Lifelong Learning: Summer reading can reignite curiosity, prompting adults to explore new genres or subjects, which supports personal growth and adaptability (Source: BookBub).
- Strengthens Relationships: Reading the same books as kids or friends can spark meaningful discussions, fostering stronger bonds. Book clubs or family reading time are great ways to connect (Sources: Scholastic, Reading Partners).
- Boosts Mood and Well-Being: Engaging stories release dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This can improve mood and provide a sense of accomplishment (Sources: Healthline, BookBub).
Shared Benefits
Here are some shared benefits of summer reading:
- Quality Time Together: Reading as a family (e.g., parents reading to kids or discussing books) strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories (Sources: Scholastic, Reading Partners).
- Access to Salina Public Library’s Programs: Our Library offers free resources, including the Summer Reading Program, making it easy and affordable to read more.
- Entertainment and Enjoyment: Books provide a low-cost, screen-free way to stay entertained during the summer, offering adventures and insights for all ages.
Practical Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get started, and to help you keep up the habit throughout the summer program:
- Kids: Have your kids set achievable goals (e.g., 20 minutes daily), and let them choose books they really enjoy so they maintain interest.
- Adults: Mix genres (fiction, nonfiction, memoirs) to stay engaged, join book clubs for social interaction, or read alongside kids to model good habits.
- All Ages: Use audiobooks or e-books for convenience, especially during travel or busy schedules.
- Set a Reminder: Set a weekly alarm on your phone or other device to remind you to log your books read.
How the SLP Summer Reading Program Works
The Library has made it so easy to join in – you don’t even have to register or create an account before you start. Here’s how it works:
- Read or listen to the books of your choice.
- Log the number of books read each week at the library (using available postcards) or online from May 23 – July 31.
- Weekly winners will be randomly drawn from those who logged books. There will be winners in each age group – Littles (0-5), Elementary (6-11), Teens (12-17), and Adults (18+).
So, join the Salina Public Library Summer Reading Adventure!
This summer, let’s make Salina smarter and stronger together by diving into the world of books! Whether you’re a kid dreaming of far-off adventures, an adult seeking new perspectives, or a family bonding over shared stories, the Salina Public Library’s Summer Reading Program offers something for everyone.
With the chance to win weekly prizes, celebrate at the end-of-season pool party, and contribute to our community’s goal of reading 20,000 books, there’s no better time to start. Grab a book, log your reading at the library or online, and join the fun from May 23 to July 31, 2025. Visit the Salina Public Library or click here to learn more and get started today—let’s read our way to a brighter summer!
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