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Date: 6/15/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD – For many schoolchildren, summer is a welcome break from schoolwork, with lazy days, beach trips and video game binges. But experts say that break can also bring the “summer slide” of learning loss – forgetting the equivalent of one month of schooling – unless kids keep their minds active. One way to keep sharp, say librarians, is reading.
Both the Agawam and West Springfield libraries are offering summer reading programs this year. West Springfield’s program begins June 21 and runs through July 29. Agawam’s begins July 5 – coinciding with the reopening of the library building on Cooper Street – and ends Aug. 5.
This year’s theme for both programs is Beyond the Beaten Path. Children sign up to participate in incentive-based reading programs, earn points for logging hours spent reading, and potentially win prizes. Participants can read any fiction or nonfiction books they want, including ebooks and audiobooks.
Despite being raised on touchscreen devices, today’s youth still enjoy paper books, said Michelle Paige, assistant director of children’s services at the West Springfield Public Library.
“Mostly what I’m hearing is kids are coming in to get physical books,” said Paige. She added that “read-alongs” that allow children to play an audiobook alongside reading the physical book are also popular, especially for younger kids.
West Springfield residents can register for their summer reading program immediately, either in person, or online at wspl.readsquared.com.
Children who visit the West Springfield library weekly are eligible to receive raffle tickets to win prizes including books, DVDs, and even a Lego set, and those who complete at least 10 hours of reading by the end of the program will receive an invitation to an ice cream party. There will also be a series of live events over the summer months, including a visit from an exotic animal rescue.