A Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Children’s Librarian cites the top accomplishments of this year’s summer reading program

  Our summer reading program was a big success, with over 400 participants logging over 100,000 total hours of reading!

  The theme this year was Oceans of Possibilities, which leant itself to dynamic programming, including a life-size blow-up Whalemobile and a special visit from a Princess Ariel performer.

  We are so grateful to all our partnerships that helped make this summer reading program happen, including the New Friends of the Saugus Library, Saugus YMCA, Saugus Ironworks, Saugus Public Schools, Saugus TV and Mass Cultural Council.

  Readers were able to win prizes for logging their minutes read, including free new books, toys, slime and gift cards from local businesses! A HUGE thank you to all of the local businesses who donated prizes and services to our readers this summer.

  Our summer reading program aims to motivate children to read books they truly love and beat the “Summer Slide,” in which student progress can “slide” backwards during the break from school. Studies show that reading motivation is one of the most important factors in predicting student reading achievement.

  Some of the most popular book series read this summer include “Dogman” by Dav Pilkey and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney. Popular authors included Raina Telgemeier (“Guts,” “Sisters”) and Mo Willems (“Elephant & Piggie”).

  Our patrons have also spent the summer reading nonfiction books about whales, sharks and all their other favorite sea creatures!