Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Guest Blogger on the Summer Reading Programs!

Summer is here, and no doubt it's a hot one already. Some of your kids have probably said those two dreaded words: I'm Bored.

Here at Little Ones, we are huge advocates of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and support all of their wonderful programs and events. This summer, they've got a wonderful reading program lined up for kids. It's FREE, it earns them PRIZES, it keeps them COOL and it helps them LEARN. Read more from our guest blogger, Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library:

Summer Reading Fun Begins!

All year I encourage each of you to find great books for your little ones through my Book Corner article. As an avid reader, I can’t think of a time of the year that curling up with a good book doesn’t sound like a great idea. But summer is by far my favorite time to read. I think it takes me back to the days when I could go to my local library, check out any book I wanted and read it all day long without the threat of bed time or homework!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wants your little ones to experience the same joy this summer through its summer reading clubs for all age groups (even you, parents!).

Summer Reading runs from June 15 to August 10, 2011, offering clubs for babies/pre-schoolers, children, teens, and adults. Each club challenges participants to read all summer long for fun, enjoyment and rewards provided by community sponsors. But the real reward of the program is reading itself. Research shows that students who read at least 20 minutes a day during the summer are more likely to read on or above grade level when returning to school in the fall. And it is important for parents to read to babies and toddlers, too. Research tells us that when you read to your young child, you naturally touch on important pre-reading “building blocks” that begin to develop at birth and must be mastered in order for your little “story lover” to graduate to “reader” status.

Sign up (beginning June 15) at your nearest library (all locations except Main Library) to keep reading, learning and having fun all summer long. Teens must sign up online, but can use the free public computers at the library to do so. For more information on Summer Reading, visit www.cmlibrary.org/summerread beginning June 15.

There is a limited supply of prizes for all who participate in summer reading clubs and complete their reading logs. This year’s sponsors are Wendy’s, Jason’s Deli, Weyerhaeuser, and Robek’s Juice on 5349 Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

As much as our little ones enjoy rewards, I encourage you to talk with them about the real rewards being the privilege of getting to choose their own books, read at their leisure, and open their horizons to new and exciting worlds. Reading is such a gift! Relish that gift this summer.

--Arden McLaughlin, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Happy Reading!! :)

Kiran