by Katherine Weadley, Programs and Outreach Supervisor

Summertime. It’s picnics, wildflowers, stargazing, road trips, hiking, camping, barbecues, farmer’s markets and garden harvests. Add to that list: the satisfaction of reading for personal joy and taking part in Library programs.

The Library’s Summer Reading Program is here, with rewards for all ages: adults, teens, kids, toddlers and babies. For students, summer reading is essential to avoid the “summer slide”. Studies show that kids who read for summer enjoyment return to school in the fall primed and ready to learn (for others, it can take weeks to catch up).

For adults, summer reading stimulates lifelong learning and connects us with a community of fellow readers. Multiple studies show the benefits of reading: it’s relaxing, reduces stress, promotes good health, and keeps our creativity and memory skills sharp. 

If that weren’t enough, we’re here to sweeten the deal — with prizes! We call them reading rewards. Log your time online, anywhere, 24/7. You’ll soon find yourself eagerly anticipating your next reward. Before long, you’re finding time for reading you didn’t know you had (another great benefit of participating).

“Oceans of Possibilities” is this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, reflected in our prizes and programs. Kids: earn wooden sailboat kits, shark gliders, plus free books. For teens: how about a jellyfish lamp, a shark hoodie, or a 4-pack of Denver Aquarium tickets? Adults: gift certificates to your favorite local businesses, and a chance to win a Kindle Fire tablet.

Then there are the activities! For adults—journaling and ocean poetry in the great local outdoors. Teens: glow-in-the-dark ocean painting, ocean games, and squid dissection. Kids: take-home science projects and the “Little Dolphin Rescue” Book Club. Something’s happening nearly every day this summer!

• Read in your favorite outdoor spaces. Listen to books while on your favorite walking trail, or while cleaning house or washing the car.
• Use FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom to read aloud with grandkids across the miles. Or read aloud or discuss books with adult friends who are close or far away.
• Create a Book Club of Two: challenge a friend, near or far, to read a shared book. Set a weekly page goal, then discuss together. 
• Have kids and grandkids read recipes while you’re in the kitchen making meals.

New this year: we know summer is a busy season for many adults. Besides reading, you can earn points by attending summer reading events at the Library. Log your attendance just like you would your reading time.

Once you start, you’ll find it’s easy to weave reading into your daily routines:

Browse the Library shelves and you’ll find plenty to keep you reading all summer long. Plus, our extensive Digital Collections offer the convenience of downloading books, audiobooks, graphic novels and comic books 24/7 from anywhere. New to digital? Just ask and we’ll get you started.

Look for full details about the 2022 Summer Reading Program at estesvalleylibrary.org. Sign up, read, and relax all summer long. Thank you to the Library Friends & Foundation and donors for making the Summer Reading Program possible.