MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion Public Library and Let’s Read 20 are joining forces this summer to combat the “Learning Slide” with a robust Summer Reading Program aimed at encouraging children to continue reading and participating in mentally stimulating activities during their school break.
The “Learning Slide” refers to the loss of educational gains made during the school year, a phenomenon that libraries have been fighting for decades through summer programs.
This year’s program, themed “Adventure Begins At Your Library,” offers a packed calendar of activities starting with the Armstrong Air & Space Museum’s “Living on Another World” presentation at 11:00 a.m. on June 8. The summer schedule includes a variety of engaging hands-on crafts, family-fun activities for different age levels, a magic show with Dana Hill, outdoor storytimes, and presentations from the Ohio Nature Education Center.
Highlights of the program include the Rockin’ Pirate Magic Show for Swoop’s Pirate Birthday Party and the Circus Pop Giant Bubble show. A full list of events is available on the Library’s website at MarionLibrary.org/SR.
New to the program this year is the adult reading challenge. Participants from kids to adults can sign up to receive incentives for tracking their reading over the summer. Literacy activities and reading log sheets are available for pickup upon registration at Marion Public Library. Prizes, including LR20 books, will be awarded for up to two completed activity sheets.
In previous summers, thousands of reading hours have been logged, and this year the importance of continuing literacy engagement is even more critical.
Library cards are available for those who don’t yet have one. Stop by the front desk today to get yours. The Marion Public Library extends its gratitude to the Janis & Greg Swepston fund at Marion Community Foundation for their support of this summer literacy program.