Because It's Good for You
Open a Book: Long Beach Summer Reading Program
The Long Beach Public Library continues its annual citywide Summer Reading Program 12 library locations June 25 to August 20, 2016. Readers of all ages are invited to register and participate in the Summer Reading Program.
PalacioMagazine.com spoke by phone with Cynthia Bautista, Department Librarian and Youth & Family Services Coordinator for the Long Beach Public Library. She described the Summer Reading Program.
Summer Reading Program Prevents Summer Slide
Cynthia Bautista told us that one of the goals of the program is to prevent Summer reading slide for children. This is to ensure that children retain what they’ve learned during the year.
“So they can practice their reading.” Bautista explained that the program has four components.
“The pre-readers program which for readers ages 0-4, (is) for children that still cannot read and their parents read to them.”
The second program is the Children’s program is for elementary school age children. “The third one is for teens and the fourth program is for adults. We’re trying to encourage everyone to read during the summer.”
When you sign-up for the program, you check out books and read them on your own at home.
“Then they come back and they report to us what they read and they receive prizes for reading.”
The Summer Reading Program is more than Reading
The Long Beach Public Library also has other programs throughout the summer at each of their branches.
“For example, we have animal magic shows, we have bubble shows, we have puppet shows every week at each of our branches.”
The Long Beach Public Library will also be hosting special programs at all the library locations, ranging from musical acts such as the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and Musical Theatre West, to dance artists and wild animals.
Mayor Robert Garcia Endorses the Summer Reading Program
In a news release announcing the program, Mayor Robert Garcia spotlighted the importance of the program to support lifelong reading.
“The Summer Reading Program integrates reading, play and technology to promote literacy and help children make reading a lifelong habit,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It’s also a great way to prevent a loss of learning during the summer and to engage with the community.”
Glenda Williams, Director of Library Services for the Long Beach Public Library also reinforced the program’s goal in the same news release.
“Our goal is to keep children, teens and adults engaged with the library throughout the summer by offering incentives and opportunities related to reading and tailored to each age group,” said Glenda Williams, Director of Library Services. “Our Summer Reading Program improves access to library materials and literacy related activities such as classes for story times, creative arts and other special events that encourage youth to continue learning for a lifetime.”
Volunteering for the Summer Reading Program
The Long Beach Summer Reading Program has opportunities for parents and community members to get involved.
Cynthia Bautista explained they need volunteers “…Particularly helping at the Summer Reading Desk, taking reports of what they’ve read and handing out prizes for reading.”
For More Information
Registering for the Summer Reading Program is easy and free. Registration can be done at the library’s website, www.lbpl.org, or the Summer Reading Program’s website,www.longbeachreads.org, or by visiting any of the 12 library locations from June 25 to August 20, 2016.
About Long Beach Public Library
Main Public Library
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Long Beach Public Library, founded in 1896, serves a diverse urban city of nearly half a million people. The Long Beach Public Library system includes the Main Library, 11 other unique Neighborhood Libraries and a vibrant online presence. With an emphasis on providing free and equal access to information and support for lifelong learning, the Library offers books, media, downloads, databases, Internet access, Family Learning Centers and a variety of events ranging from story times to cultural programs. Stay up to date with what’s happening around the library by following @LongBeachPublicLibrary on Facebook and @LBPL_Librarian on Twitter and Instagram.
