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Millcreek Journal

Summer reading programs seek to cultivate and encourage literacy in students

Jul 11, 2024 08:06AM ● By Lizzie Walje

Many studies show that children who routinely read fiction books are more likely to have a greater sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. (PBS.org)

Even though summer is officially underway, that doesn’t mean that students still can’t pledge reading goals through a variety of summer reading programs in Salt Lake County.

Reading programs offer structure for students when they’re not actively in school and learning. This can be crucial for many students as, like with most skills, in order to further develop one’s sense of literacy, reading should become a routine part of one’s schedule. Moreover, many programs are offered by local libraries, and learning about the library can be helpful for students of all ages, as it remains an often-underutilized resource in many communities.

In Salt Lake County, there are different summer reading programs available for students and some of these programs also offer adults the chance to participate. This not only allows for parents to lead by example when it comes to cultivating interest and literacy, but inclusive summer reading programs can help students stay motivated and engaged, knowing their parents are also participating. 

One of the most accessible summer reading program is at The City Library, 210 E. 400 South. Even though June has passed, students can still sign up for the Super Summer Challenge, which will be in effect until Aug. 3. The challenge is popular among students because it offers prizes and incentives. The Super Summer Challenge’s webpage even offers free printable coloring pages, a perfect time-consuming activity for kids to embark on. 

To sign up for the free Super Summer Reading Challenge, participants can either do so in-person at their local Salt Lake City Public Library branch or at the main downtown branch, or they can sign up online. To learn more visit www.services.slcpl.org/supersummer 

The Salt Lake County Library system also features a summer reading program through July. Sign up at your local county library. Children who complete the program can win prizes and receive discounts to local attractions. To learn more, visit slcolibrary.org.

In June, Millcreek’s Marissa’s Bookstore partnered with the Granite Education Foundation to put on a kids’ summer reading event. Kids were invited to pick two books of their choosing for free. In addition, licensed and accredited teachers were allowed to pick up to 10 books that they could then use in their classrooms. 

Although the kid’s summer reading event has passed, Marissa’s staff regularly engages in outreach and philanthropic reading and literacy work, hosting events for both children and adults year round. Follow Marissa’s bookstore on social media, where they regularly update their Instagram and Facebook pages.

National book retailer Barnes & Noble, is also hosting a summer reading program. The program is designed for children in grades first through sixth. Although the program has already begun, those who are still interested will have plenty of time to complete the required reading, as the deadline isn’t until Aug. 31. 

Students can choose eight books from a list provided by Barnes & Noble. Once your child has chosen the books, all they need to do is read the books, and then fill out a journal asking them to list the books that they read and write a blurb about their favorite part of the book.  The free journal can be found on Barnes & Noble’s website. Once the child has completed their reading and journal, they can exchange their completed journal for a free book of their choosing at your local Barnes & Noble location. To learn more about the Barnes & Noble summer reading program visit them online at www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program   λ