The Free Library of Philadelphia has ambitious plans every summer, but this year breaks new ground.
As always, no good read goes unrewarded. With the launch last fall of the "Read, Baby, Read" program, parents may take out books and read to the youngest children.
This summer, those reading efforts earn children a small prize. For pre-teens, the main program comes with a game board.
Each time a child reaches a reading goal, a sticker is awarded. Stickers are also given for library visits. Complete your game board and you get a prize.
Teens have access to many new programs this summer. There are poetry and writing workshops. For those entering senior year, many libraries are offering help to get ready for college entrance exams.
Parents who've shopped know this sort of assistance can cost hundreds, but the library's program is at no cost to families. And back this year, "science in the Summer" partners with Glaxo Smithkline and the Franklin Institute.
Top-performing school science teachers are hired to offer interesting science programs at libraries around the city and suburban counties.
The program at Philadelphia libraries will deal with oceanography. The science programs are on a limited-enrollment basis, so check with your neighborhood library right away about availability.
Many families like these programs enough that they go outside their home neighborhood to find an open slot. There are also online opportunities.
The Free Library has partnered with the Mayor's office and you can find a rundown of the "Fun, Safe Summer" program's resources when you visit the library website.
In Philadelphia, that's The Free Library website. If you live outside the city, touch base with the library in your community, because just about all have summer programs.
Experts say a child can lose op to three months of learning in the absence of intellectual stimulation over the summer. But they also note that learning need not equal drudgery.
Anything a child reads stimulates the mind and keeps learning skills sharp. So feel free to let your child choose the reading material...in print or even online. Then just step back and let the learning go on. They don't have to know it's good for them!
