Copyright © 2022 Albuquerque Journal
The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Public Library System offers a simple and fun way to avoid the infamous summer brain drain.
Read books.
The library system, which has 18 branches, with another opening this summer in the International District, kicks off its summer reading program on Saturday with special events featuring family entertainment including games, crafts and books. ‘other activites.
“Numerous studies have shown that young people who are exposed to reading or enrichment activities are better able to retain the learning they did during the school year, building on that so that their brains be in better shape to continue learning in the fall,” said Deborah Hassi, manager of youth services for the public library system. “And at the public library, we want to allow these young people, and their families, to learn, grow and have fun all summer long.
To enroll in the eight-week program, children can register in person at library branches or online starting Saturday at abqlibrary.org/summerreading. Participants set their own reading challenges based on how much time they spend reading. When they complete these weekly challenges, they can win incentive prizes including toys and books for babies, kids, tweens, and teens, as well as grand prizes for everyone.
While schools can give students summer reading lists, the library’s summer reading program has no such guidelines.
“We encourage everyone to read something that is at least as difficult as what they read during the school year, but we place no restrictions on what everyone can read,” Hassi said, noting that the theme of this summer’s program is “Oceans of Possibilities”.
“They can read what they want, where they want and when they want. Maybe there was something they wanted to read during the school year, but they didn’t have time, or maybe they wanted to read fiction or non-fiction. , graphic novels, newspapers or magazines. The important thing is that they use those brain cells and read what pleases them.
And much of that reading material that suits their fancy is likely available at local library branches, Hassi said.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone in the community, not just children, but also adults, to set personal reading challenges for themselves,” she said.
Additionally, library branches will host a variety of events this summer for tweens, teens, and adults, including crafts, science activities, concerts, and movies. The calendar of events will be posted at library branches and online at abqlibrary.org, Hassi said.
In 2019, before the pandemic, the summer reading program had nearly 19,000 participants and the library system welcomed over 2 million visitors while managing the circulation of over 4 million items.
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