School’s out but reading is in [Statewide]

Studies show that children’s reading skills suffer over summer vacation if they don’t continue to read. Many Oregon and Southwest Washington libraries and nonprofit agencies offer a counter-offensive to the brain drain: free summer reading programs. Here is a sampling of the programs that have come to my attention.

Lane County

United Way of Lane County will host “Summer Reading Spots” every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer. Children are invited for an hour of story time from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., June 26 through Aug. 23, at Willamalane Park Swim Center, 1276 G St., Springfield, and Petersen Park, 870 Berntzen Road, Eugene. There will be reading groups for all ages up through age 12. Children who attend the Summer Reading Spot will receive an age-appropriate book to take home. No child is too young for books, even if they can’t read yet. Infant reading groups will be included in the program.

Linn and Benton counties

For infants only, born between January and June 2012, along with their parents, the intent of this event is to instill a lifetime habit of reading. Dubbed “The Early Reader Baby Shower” and hosted by the Lebanon Public Library, guests will learn about the services the library offers to families. Expect prizes, refreshments and information about early literacy. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 8, at the library, which is located at 55 Academy St.

Let’s Read with Foster Grandparent Mentors is a free 10-week summer reading program sponsored by the Albany Public Library. Help continue your children’s love of reading and improve and maintain their reading skills over the summer by having them participate in 30-minute one-on-one reading sessions with a trained, screened volunteer foster grandparent. This program runs June 18 through Aug. 24, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library. The library is located at 2450 14th Ave. SE. Call 541-917-7760 to reserve your weekly sessions.

Multnomah County

The Multnomah County Library will begin the Summer Reading Game on June 15. The game will run until Aug. 15. Children can visit any branch of the library to sign up. Participation is free. Children receive game boards that they mark whenever they spend time reading or listening to books. Children can visit any Multnomah County library to sign up for the Summer Reading game. Participation is free. To play, children spend time reading or listening to books, then mark spaces on their game boards. The game is set up for infants, children and youth through age 18. The library gives rewards to children who reach designated age-specific markers. For more information, talk to your youth librarian or visit the library's Summer Reading website.

Other regions

As I continued to search for more information on summer reading programs, I found that every county I checked into has a free program similar to the one offered by Multnomah County Library. Some, like those in Washington and Douglas counties, have scheduled events throughout the summer ranging from magic shows to puppeteers and guided science experiments.

Wherever you live in Oregon or Southwest Washington, know that opportunities abound to encourage children to continue reading, investigating, thinking, listening and observing throughout the summer. Check with your local library to find out how and when to register your children.