The Connecticut State Public Library’s Collaborative Summer Reading Program is in full swing and children of all ages can still take advantage of this free program.
Participating New Haven Public Library’s summer reading program, A Universe of Stories/Un Universo de Historias, runs through Aug. 30.
While reading is a main part of the program, it also encourages other activities such as visiting museums, state parks and attending library programs. Every visit is an opportunity to earn points which can be redeemed for prizes.
Free lunches and snacks are provided Monday through Friday for all those under 18 years.
To participate, children must be under the age of 12. And participants must pick up or print a Summer Learning Log, which is available in English and Spanish at all New Haven Public Library branches, to keep track of their progress. Complete the following activities to earn points:
- One hour or reading = 1 point
- Visit a local or state park, museum or play, or attend a community event = 1 point
- Go to a library program = 1 point
Tell library staff about the visit and get your log stamped.
Once the participant reaches 10 points they can go to their local branch for a free book or a family pass for a free visit to the Peabody. And with 20 points the participant will receive the grand prize — a book bag filled with school supplies or a special prize for children under 4.
For more information on the New Haven Public Library summer reading program, click here.
Hartford Public Library’s Summer Learning Program — Read, Go, Do! Is open to people of all ages. Participants can choose one of five clubs — health, Hartford, STEM, art, nature or reading — and complete at least five activities to get a ticket to the Aug. 24 Hartford Athletic game. But tickets are limited to the first 400 on a first come, first served basis. For more information, click here.
The Connecticut State Public Library is also a partner of the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge – an annual, statewide program encouraging students to read books during the summer months. The statewide competition recognizes the schools with the highest percentage of participating enrollment and the highest number of books read by participating students at the end of the summer.
“Research indicates that children who do not read during the summer can lose reading progress made during the past school year,” Governor Ned Lamont told the Patch. “We want to encourage all students to read, learn, and have fun with books during the summer months.”
There are nearly 180,000 Hispanic, Latino aged children in Connecticut (or approximately 25% of the overall youth population).
Publisher’s Note: CTLN is a proud partner of the Connecticut State Public Libraries.