Military libraries promote summer fun for all with 2016 "Read - For the Win" program

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2016 /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 get into the swing of things with sports-themed activities, prizes and book choices as part of "Read – For the Win." Most reading programs run six-eight weeks with open enrollment during the summer.

"This year's program coincides with the Olympic Games, and—like the Olympics—our theme stands for much more than just sports, games, and competition. Olympians aspire to achieve greatness, to set goals and accomplish them, despite any obstacles," said Holly May, Program Assistant, Navy General Library Program. "I hope our families will 'go for the gold' and join our global community of readers and library users."

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. Library summer reading programs help to offset this loss because studies also indicate students who read recreationally out-perform those who don't do so. 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 encourage kids to exercise their reading muscles to keep them in shape," May added. In addition to a wide variety of reading options, libraries will host activities for all ages ranging from Teddy Bear Olympics to Bingo for Books to tailgating parties.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense with program content developed by iREAD, "Read – For the Win" will reach thousands of families. This year's promotional materials feature "Froggy," the star of 27 books for children written by Jonathan London and illustrated by U.S. Navy veteran Frank Remkiewicz. This year marks the seventh in which nearly 200 base and installation libraries will participate in the summer reading program. Last year's participants read for 41.7 million minutes.

For more information, please visit https://www.ila.org/dodsumread/#contact. Artwork and photos are available on request by emailing Larra Clark at [email protected].

CONTACTS: Holly May, 202-433-0785
                    Larra Clark, 773-412-1853

SOURCE Navy General Library Program