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Library rewards summer reading with free books

May 31, 2018 – News

Part of the Juneau Public Libraries Summer Reading Program is the Reading Game. For every six chapter books a kid or teen reads, they get one book to keep forever. For younger kids, or adults reading to younger kids and babies, read 10 picture books and get one book to keep forever. Pick up a reading log at any library branch. The Summer Reading Program also features free events, weekly programs, and prize drawings.

“Reading over the summer is important for kids. Studies show that students who don’t read over the summer see their reading abilities stagnate or decline when they get back to school in the fall. Reading consistently over the summer, even for just 20 minutes at a time, helps kids go back to school with increased reading confidence, a higher vocabulary level, and better reading comprehension,” Community Outreach Librarian Andrea Hirsh said.

All the library branches – Downtown, Douglas, and the Mendenhall Valley – will have weekly drawings throughout the summer for locally donated prizes. Kids can enter by filling out a reading review form. In addition, teens can enter to win a big prize at the end of the summer. For adults, read or listen to any book from PBS’s Great American Read list and get entered for a prize drawing at the end of the summer.

Summer weekly programs:

  • Toddler Time Mondays, Ages Birth-2
    Monday, 10 am – Downtown Library
    Monday, 11 am – Valley Library
  • Storytime Plus Creative Time, Ages 3-7
    Thursdays, 11 am – Douglas Library
    Fridays, 11 am – Valley Library
  • Rock Around the Blocks
    Wednesdays, 11 am – Downtown Library
    Creative Block Building – Open Time, all locations
    Legos, Duplos, Kiva Plants provided

Upcoming summer events include:

  • World Ocean Day
    Friday, June 8, 1 pm – Valley Library
  • Drag Queen Storytime
    Thursday, June 28, 5:30 pm – Douglas Library
  • Lee Stetson presents John Muir
    Tuesday, July 31, 6 pm – Valley Library
  • Back to School Teen Book Buffet
    Grades 6-12
    Friday, August 17, 3 pm – Valley Library

For more information, contact Community Outreach Librarian Andrea Hirsh at 586-0442 or [email protected].