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Parents: 10 Easy Ways to Get Children to Read this Summer

Children who read do better in school—so make sure your child is a reader

  1. Get your child a library card at your local public library. It’s free!
  2. Sign your child up for Summer Reading at the local public library and enjoy free programs with fun activities, storytelling, reading contests, crafts and more.
  3. Adult and child sea turtles reading a book together. Image copyright CSLP.Read with your child every day. Take advantage of “waiting” time to share books: on trips, at the doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store.
  4. Take a basket of books for reading breaks from the sun, water, and sand at the beach, lake, or pool.
  5. Read on your own and talk to your child about what you’re reading. Families who share reading experiences raise children who read well.
  6. Visit the library every week and bring the whole family.
  7. Need books in languages other than English? Ask a librarian!
  8. Use the closed captioning during TV shows so children see the words as they hear them.
  9. Keep a list on the refrigerator of the books everyone has read during the summer.
  10. Discover the world by reading books from your local public library. Choose a subject of interest for the entire family, so that every family member can share what they have learned and share ideas.

For more information, visit www.summerreadingnys.org external link opens in a new window

Parents: Help your kids succeed in school!

Jack reading on the beanstalk. Image copyright CSLP.

2021 Summer Reading Slogan- "Tails and Tales" - © CSLP

When children read what they enjoy, they learn to love reading
and become better readers. The free summer programs at your public library
will help your child keep reading and have fun all summer long.

For more information

  • Talk to your local public librarian about their Summer Reading Program
  • Need books in languages other than English? Ask the librarian!
  • Visit www.summerreadingnys.orgexternal link opens in a new window for resources and summer reading news.
  • Speak with your child’s school librarian about local summer reading programs

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Summer Reading at New York Libraries is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department and is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Last Updated: June 1, 2021 -- sm