Be a book worm

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LEWISTOWN - Studies show that children who read during the summer are better prepared for the upcoming school year, one local librarian says. This is one of the key reasons the Mifflin County Library conducts its summer reading program.

The nationwide program is implemented by the Mifflin County Library in Lewistown and all of its branch libraries, including the Allensville, Kish, Rothrock and Milroy locations, said Susan Miriello, a youth services librarian.

Within the overall program, there are three separate programs held for different age groups, she said.

The first program is for infants, preschool and elementary school-aged children; the second, for middle school and high school students; and the third is for adults, Miriello explained. The purpose of the adult program is to encourage parents to read to their kids, she said.

The infant, preschool and elementary school reading program requires children to read 10 books during the summer to receive a prize. The middle and high school-age program requires students to read books that have a mystery theme. This summer, the theme is murder mystery, and students in this program earn "book bucks" they can pick use to pick out prizes, Miriello said.

To keep track of books they read over the summer, students keep a log. Prizes range from snack bowls and stuffed animals to sunglasses and back-to-school packs, depending on the age group, she said.

Miriello said the summer reading program, which has been offered within the Mifflin County Library system for many years, is important because a lot of kids typically don't read during the summer.

"When they go back to school they forget those skills (that they learned during the school year)," she said.

Studies show that if children read at least six books during summer vacation, they will be able to keep up academically with their grade level, Miriello said.

Miriello also said that during the 15 years she's worked at her current position, she has seen up front how parent participation in reading - especially from the father-figure - encourages children to read more.

"When mom and dad are good readers ... (kids) continue (to read) to high school and older," she said.

Additionally, friends and the media also play a big role in children's desire to read, she said. Such books as "Twilight," the "Harry Potter" series and "The DaVinci Code" all have had movies made based on them. When these types of movies are constantly in the media, kids may show more of an interest in reading the book, Miriello said.

Despite today's rush of video games and electronics hitting the market, kids still are reading enough, she said, "because now they have books that tie in with some games ... (and) graphic novels are a huge hit, too."

Additionally, there are a lot more books geared toward boys these days, such as sports books, Miriello said. These types of books that cater to children's interests, along with today's video games and movies, combine reading with other activities and types of entertainment which may inspire children to read more, she explained.

About 500 infants, elementary school-aged children and teenagers currently participate in the summer reading program throughout all of the branches, Miriello said, adding that the program is offered free of charge.

Jaime LeFevre, of Lewistown, has two daughters, ages 9 and 4, who have participated in the summer reading program for the past several years. LeFevre said the program has been beneficial to her oldest daughter, Emily, because she loves to read.

Because of her participation in the program, Emily has shown marked progress in school, LeFevre said. For instance, her fluency has improved and she has been able to read chapter books faster.

The program is important to children because it keeps their minds working when school is not in session, LeFevre said.

"It gives them something to do ... it helps them keep their minds open," she said.

The program encourages reading, LeFevre said, because kids get to keep a log of the books they've read. The log plays a part in inspiring them to set goals for themselves, she said.

There also are various events and activities held that are part of the summer reading program. LeFevre said her girls' favorite ones are the puppet shows, which are for younger children, and the Young Author's Workshop. The workshop lets the children write and illustrate a book that they can either take home or let circulate in the library for a year, she explained.

She said the summer reading program makes participants feel comfortable and is great for kids because they get to actively engage in the program.

"We really enjoy going," LeFevre said, adding that the family attends the events a few times each week during the summer.

According to the Mifflin County Library's Web site, some of the summer reading program's special events include Playtime at Lewistown Library, a play group for children ages 1 to 3; Toddler Time, a story time for children aged 20 months to 3 and a half years old; Baby Story Time, a story time for newborns to children aged 20 months; and Story and Craft Time, a story and craft session for children in preschool and up.

Other featured events are the Youth Author's Workshop, a writing class for students going into grades 2 and up; sign language class, a beginner class in American sign language for children in grades 2 and up; art classes, which focus on children's illustrations and techniques used when illustrating children's books; and Reading with Dogs, which focuses on dog safety and features a certified Therapy Dogs International dog and trainer.

A majority of the events require registration. For more information, call the Mifflin County Library at 242-2391 or visit www.mifflincountylibrary.org.