Military libraries fight summer reading slide with 2014 "Paws to Read" program

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Registration starts now for a shared summer reading program that will reach military families on bases around the globe. Readers of all ages can dig into a menagerie of book choices around the theme "Paws to Read." Most summer reading programs will run six-eight weeks with open enrollment during the summer. Activities will range by location and include everything from nature programs to K-9 demonstrations.

"Last summer we set a new reading record: 14.6 million minutes spent reading! Each year the program is making a bigger impact on families' lives," said Nilya Carrato, Program Assistant, Navy General Library Program. "We hope people will really sink their teeth into this year's program and fetch more books than ever before."

Decades of research shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer. Summer reading programs can help to offset this loss, because studies also indicate students who read recreationally out-performed those who don't. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.

Without summer reading intervention, the National Summer Learning Association reports it's common for teachers to spend at least a month re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer.

"We make sure reading is fun for children and families, but we also know it's a seriously important program for supporting brain development, student achievement and learning over a lifetime," Carrato added.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense with program content developed by iREAD, "Paws to Read" will reach thousands of families. Resource guides and animal-themed materials and activities to support the initiative were developed by librarians for librarians to motivate children to read. This year marks the fifth in which nearly 200 base and installation libraries will participate in the summer reading program.

For more information, please call Nilya Carrato at 202-433-0785 or email [email protected]. Artwork available on request by emailing Larra Clark at [email protected].

CONTACTS:
Nilya Carrato, 202-433-0785
Larra Clark, 773-412-1853

SOURCE Navy General Library Program