Bernardsville Library Summer Reading Kicks Off

This summer's reading theme is Dig Into Reading! and with summer quickly approaching, children will soon be out of school and on to the pool, the beach, and vacation.  Students can move backward academically during the summer if reading and learning are not continued and reading achievement declines as well.  But if students read just six books over the summer, they can maintain their current reading level, and, if they read between ten and twenty books of their own choosing, they can actually increase reading achievement.

As always, Bernardsville Library’s Youth Services Department is offering reading programs throughout the summer for children through twelfth grade.  In addition to reading and prizes, the Library will host a number of programs, all with free admission, to highlight this summer's theme.  From "Make a Fossil" craft programs to story times about worms and dinosaurs, the summer will be filled with activities for all ages.  Middle and high schoolers will be able to earn community service hours in a book buddy reading program.

Online sign-ups for Summer Reading begin Monday, June 17, and there will be a kick-off program, “Little Al Dinosaur” presented by the Pearl Observatory, on Monday, June 24 at 6:30 pm.  Children aged three and up will be paleontologists for the day!  They will touch a real dinosaur egg, teeth and bones, and help rebuild 'Little Al," the Allosaurus.

Plan to drop in to the many craft programs and story times that will be offered in the coming months (no sign-up is needed for these).   In addition, on Friday, July 19, Mad Science will present "Sea Life" and "Earthworks," and on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 pm, Kathy Miller, nature photographer and author of the popular Chippy Chipmunk series will speak about writing her books.  Check the library website, www.bernardsvillelibrary.org, and the upcoming newsletter for more program details in July and August.

Registration for Summer Reading can be accessed online from the library website.  Young readers will keep a log of their reading online.   [Accommodations will be made for anyone without access to a computer.]  There is no charge to attend the programs, but advance sign-up is sometimes required.  Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link under Kids, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.