Parents Blog

Summer reading

For my family, one of the best things about living in Spokane is having the Spokane Public Library.

Every Monday, we visit the South Hill branch and come home with more than two dozen books as well as a few DVDs. We have new books to read every night at bedtime and during “quiet time” in the afternoons. And, they’re free.

During the summer, the Spokane Public Library and the Spokane County Library District offer many activities for kids including the Summer Reading Program.

Here’s how it works: Each child reads (or listens to) 15 books. He or she can also read for a total of 15 hours. Once your child reads 15 books and finishes filling out their log, bring it back to the library to receive prizes that include a free paperback and admission to Mobius Kids.

The summer reading program includes several special activities for children. Kids can take part in arts and crafts with “Go Crazy With Pipe Cleaners” and “Trash to Treasure” (recycled art), or listen to performances by singer Ruby Devine or local children’s rock band Jenks. Plus, they can meet and hear readings by authors including local poet Ken Nesbitt, or put together a comic book with help from graphic novel author Lars Brown. For details, see www.summerreadingspokane.org.

Besides the library’s summer reading program, how else do you get your children to continue reading during the summer?

– Posted by Virginia de Leon

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