This coming summer, the Saratoga Library will host its annual summer program  that encourages children and teens to read.  The program has been renamed “Summer Challenge” this year, and the library has added several activities besides reading.

“Children who don’t read during the summer lose months of reading and cognitive skills gained during the school year,” teen and adult services librarian Bridgit Spring said. “The problem with this is that summer reading loss is cumulative.  Children don’t catch up in the fall because their peers are moving ahead with their skills."                                                                                                        

According to Spring, by the end of sixth grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer can end up two years behind their classmates.

“Even reading four to five books over the summer can have a significant impact on middle school and high school readers alike,” Spring said.

The Summer Challenge aims to help decrease this “summer slide” by offering fun programs at the library to encourage children, teens and even adults to complete literacy, cultural and community activities to earn points for prizes.

“I completely agree with the idea of the ‘Summer Challenge’ program,” teacher Erick Rector said. “There is such importance to continuing literary appreciations beyond just what you read in school.  By being able to choose what you want to read, not only does your knowledge expand, but so does your excitement for reading.”

Besides the educational value of reading over the summer, Spring also said it is a good way to keep busy.

“[Reading a book] is not only rewarding, but also fun,” Spring said. “‘Summer Challenge’ aims to give people who want to keep on top of reading and also keep busy a chance to do so over the summer.”

More information on this program can be found at www.scl.org.