By: Michael Demyan
Summer is approaching as the school year is coming to a close, and along with the fun in the sun, children are also able to take part in the annual summer reading program. In Boca Raton, however, it is not only the kids who encouraged to take part in summer reading, but residents of all ages.
Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie announced this year’s summer reading season to be June 5 through August 11. The national theme will be “Build a Better World,” following last year’s theme of “Exercise Your Mind, Read!”
Over 100 classes and educational programs will be offered to the locals who participate in the reading program at the Boca Raton Public Library. Books will also be made available through the library’s partnership with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.
Mayor Haynie believes that this is a great way to help students continue learning even when they are out of school for the summer.
“Public libraries play a critical role in providing a bridge for students’ education and academic skills over the summer months and thereby prevent the ‘summer slide,’ when, it has been proven students may lose many of the educational achievements made during the previous school year,” Mayor Haynie proclaimed.
Summer reading has usually only been associated with children, but this initiative stresses that for adults, reading can have numerous benefits, such as learning and improving memory.
It is also important for adults to set an example for their children by participating alongside them. If they are able to see their parents and family reading as well, it could provide extra incentive or create an enjoyable reading environment where families can take the time to read and learn together.
Boca Raton residents who wish to take part in this year’s national program will be able to sign up starting on June 5. This can be done at either the Boca Raton Public Library or the Spanish River Library, as well as online.