Military Libraries Anounce 2012 Summer Reading Program

By Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNS) -- Navy General Library Program leaders announced May 25 that registration has begun for a shared summer reading program that will reach military families in all branches around the globe.

Readers of all ages can dig into a wide variety of book choices around the theme "Reading Is So Delicious."

Most programs will run eight weeks with open enrollment during the summer. Activities will range by location and include everything from Edible Art projects to discussions of books like "James and the Giant Peach".

"Last year we saw a 400 percent increase in participation across the program, and we plan to continue this trend with creative programs that connect with readers of all ages," said Nilya Carrato, Program Assistant, Navy General Library Program. "This year's theme ties in two great flavors - reading for the fun of it and healthy eating. We want to create and support a bumper crop of voracious readers!"

Research spanning 100 years 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.

This year marks the third in which 250 base and installation libraries will participate in the shared summer reading program. Last year's program logged more than 10 million minutes spent reading by children and families.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense with program content developed by iREAD, the Navy managed initiative; "Reading Is So Delicious" will reach thousands of families. The theme is brought to life by illustrators Barry Gott, Chris Eliopoulos, Lucy Knisley, and Patrick Girouard. Resource guides for the program were developed by librarians for librarians to motivate children to read.

"Summer reading programs are valuable not only in reducing fall-off in educational attainment over the summer, but as a means for families and children to spend time together, an especially important aspect for military families," Carrato added.

For more information on the program, please call Nilya Carrato with the Navy General Library Program at 202-433-0785 or email dodsumread@navy.mil.

The Navy General Library Program is a Commander, Navy Installations Command program designed to support base libraries around the world and participate in the initial outfitting of shipboard libraries across the fleet.