Babylon Kids Embark on a Summer Reading Adventure

This year's summer reading club at the is a wild one: a safari theme that encourages children, ages 3 through those entering sixth grade, to log hours during break from school reading for pleasure.

Encouraging summer reading is an important part of helping students retain what they've learned over the school year, points out Ann Burke, the head children's librarian.

"When you think about it, a summer is a long stretch of time in a child’s life. What better time to practice reading and, just as importantly, inculcate a love of reading in a young child," she said.

In an era of entertainment phone applications, Facebook, TV, and video games, getting the youngest Babylon residents to spend time reading time takes a little innovation. The children's department has created a full schedule of events, activities and incentives for this year's summer reading club program, which have been well-received by the community.

"We've had the most sign-ups ever so far," said Burke. "We're lucky to live in a town where parents get the children involved in events like this."

The program's theme is "a reading safari," and the recommended book list, from picture books to young adult fiction for older readers, drives home the idea that reading a book can transport kids on their own miniature adventures.

Convincing some youngsters that reading is more appealing than the latest movie or gadget, however, is no easy feat.

Burke offers some tips for parents whose children don't readily reach for a book to fill their spare time: "Don’t make reading a chore, particularly in the summer. Leave books you think your child might like around your house to pick up in one of those few moments when they are not in motion during the summer."

Modeling the reading behavior that you want to see in your children is also crucial.

"Let your child see you with a book in your hand. Talk about what you’re reading at the dinner table. Sign up for the adult reading club at the library, so you can tell your child you are in a reading club as well," Burke advises.

In addition to providing lists of recommended books, the summer reading club has a reward system that allows participants to rack up "Jungle Bucks" which they can turn in for prizes at the library's "Trading Post Gift Shop." Kids get a chance to make some financial decisions, when they decide if they want to save their bucks for a larger prize or cash in for smaller value items.

The library is also bringing the safari home, when some cuddly animals will visit from Green Meadow Farms on Saturday, July 16, also at 3 p.m. Crafts, story times, movie showings, and cooking and baking events will continue the safari theme.

Visit the library's website for a full listing of events and to sign up for the reading club.