CICERO — Summer vacation is just around the corner, and here at the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL), staff members are here to support parents and caregivers to prevent the summer slide. “Summer slide” is the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. The term refers to the decline in reading ability and other academic skills while children are away from the classroom.
The good news is that it only takes a couple of hours every week to prevent learning loss, and that is where the library’s Summer Reading Program comes in. The annual program encourages reading and incorporates lots of fun, literacy-enhancing activities that actively engage young minds. Children and teens who sign up can even earn prizes when they report the books they’ve read!
This year’s Summer Reading Program follows iRead’s “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” theme. The broad idea of “summer camp at the library” can encompass a world of different summer experiences: from outdoor activities such as hiking, s’mores, and stories around the campfire, to nature programs, arts and crafts, music, and so much more! This year’s themed artwork features the well-known author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, best known for his “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants” graphic novel series.
“This summer, we’re excited to see artwork from Dav Pilkey, as he’s a well-known favorite at NOPL. We can’t keep his books on the shelves,” says Children’s Librarian Miss Raena from Cicero Branch.
NOPL’s Summer Reading Program begins June 27, with a Kickoff Party at NOPL North Syracuse and Cicero Branches from 2 to 4 p.m. and an all-day celebration with registration at Brewerton Branch. Stop in for crafts and activities for all ages and get signed up for another year of summer reading fun. In addition, information about summer reading logs, prizes, and programs will be available.
Avoid the summer slide. Sign your child up for the Summer Reading Program this June. Stop in at any NOPL branch — Brewerton, Cicero, or North Syracuse — or sign up online at nopl.org/srp.
