By Paige Lambert
Natalie Creed tottered over to the librarian, handing her the full reading log. The three-year-old returned with a free book, eagerly asking her mom to help her read it.
Amy Creed said such reactions were typical of her kids as they turned in logs for the Buda Library Summer Reading Program.
The program runs from early June to Aug. 2 and kids can get into the program at any point, Martha Sanders, assistant librarian, said. Once a log is completely filled out, the child’s name is put into the program.
“We do that time frame because most families are getting ready for school or on vacation in August,” Sanders said. “But we still have some kids turning in their first log, some their fifteenth.”
Any kind of reading material can be recorded on the log, Sanders said. If a child enjoyed a book so much they read it again and again, they can also record it just as many times.
“They can read anything, from fiction to magazines to tablets,” Sanders said. “The goal is to just have kids reading. If they can be engaged and keep reading during the summer, it can turn into a life long interest.”
The program is broken into three age groups, each with a different type and sized log.
The youngest group, newborn to second grade, records 25 book titles per log. Sanders said the age group is open to young ones because of the positive research about early reading. For the youngest library patrons, it counts if a parent reads to them.
Creed said the benefits make managing the log for Natalie worth it.
“It is extra work for me but she sees her older brother and sister reading, and she wants to participate in the logs,” Creed said. “She gets so excited when she can pick out another book.”
The two other age groups, grades 2-6 and 7-12, log their reading based on minutes, 500 minutes and 800 minutes, respectively.
Creed said the high goals challenge her older kids to look for books they like and keep reading.
“My daughter just reached her log goal of 15, and is now challenging herself for 20,” Creed said. “It’s great to teach them about goals, especially before they become teenagers.”
The older group also is encouraged to create projects based on their readings to help develop critical thinking and encouraging others to read the books.
Projects have ranged from reviews and games to songs and newspapers, Heather Peems, circulation director said.
“My daughter isn’t old enough to do the project yet, but I like that idea,” Creed said. “They get to see actual work from the reading.”
When each log is turned in the child receives a prize, a free book and a raffle-style ticket for one of multiple chance boxes. The boxes are for prizes including gift cards, bikes and iPods, depending on the age group.
At the end of the program each group has a party, where awards and prizes are given out to the readers.
Sanders said all these incentives keep kids reading throughout the summer and help combat the dreaded summer slide.
“When kids don’t read they lose ground and when they start school it’ßs harder for them,” Sanders said. “That’s why we have partnerships with schools and try to get as many kids involved as possible.”
This summer, 267 kids are involved in the program. More than 740 logs have been turned in so far, and multiple families turn in logs everyday, Sanders said.
Creed said she sees the program’s effect in her kids each fall. While her kids pick the books, she finds ways to go over subjects like history and science.
“We don’t struggle at the beginning of the year,” Creed said. “Their brains are stimulated and it keeps the subjects fresh for fall. It really makes a difference.”
