Do you have a plan to make sure your child has lots of reading opportunities this summer? Several studies have documented a “summer slide” in reading skills once kids go on summer vacation. And the loss compounds each year.
Research offers a surprisingly simple and affordable solution: Bring your youngsters to the library and let them choose their own books.
In a three-year study, researchers at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville found that simply giving children access to books — and allowing them to choose books that interested them — had a significant effect on the summer reading gap.
Children who chose their own books and those who were given activity and puzzle books were tracked for three years.
Those who could select their own books posted significantly higher test scores than the children who received books from others. The effect was equivalent to a child attending three years of summer school. And the difference in scores was twice as high among the poorest children in the study.
Another of the notable findings of the research was that children improved their reading scores even though they typically weren’t selecting the curriculum books or classics that teachers normally assign for summer reading. That conclusion confirms other studies suggesting that children learn best when they are allowed to select their own books.
Bottom line: What should your children read this summer? Bring them to the library and let them decide for themselves, because any books will do.
Library closure
Your library will be closed Friday, July 4.
Tie-dye for teens/tweens tomorrow
Tomorrow, Friday, June 27, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., teens and tweens are invited to a free summer tie-dye party where you will decorate a canvas tote bag for yourself. All supplies will be provided.
Saturday your last chance to donate books
To prepare for the forthcoming Friends of the Library book sale July 17-19, the Friends are hosting a book drive this Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library parking lot, where they will accept gently used books — and you’ll get a coupon for a free book at the summer book sale. Please note that damaged books will not be accepted.
This is the last chance you have to donate books to your library for the next 12 months. That’s because we will be breaking ground for our expansion construction on Aug. 4. In anticipation, we are clearing out as much as we can so we can stay in the building during the construction.
Here are the guidelines for your donations:
Books on time-sensitive topics that can quickly become out of date are wanted only if they have been published within the last five years. These subjects include politics/current events, health and medicine, sports/exercise, business, technology, science, education and travel guides. Not accepted are reference materials, textbooks and nonprint material like CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS or cassette tapes because they do not sell at the Friends sales.
Writing and storytelling advice
Next Thursday, July 3, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. join us for a special free session on writing and storytelling with Ruby’s Writers Guild authors where you’ll enjoy creative exercises to hone your skills.
Summer book sale plans
Mark your calendar for the hugely popular Friends of the Library book sale in July at the Community United Methodist Church located downtown at 434 Lewis St., when you can take advantage of great bargains on books of all genres for all ages while helping the Friends raise money for your library.
July 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is the members-only early shopping opportunity — and if you are not a member, you’re welcome to join at the door. Annual memberships are $15 per person or $25 per family. Lifetime memberships are $150 per person.
July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and July 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, the book sale is open to the public.
Reading rewards
Pick up your free Summer Reading Program bingo sheets every week at the library through Aug. 1. Then, complete activities to earn rewards throughout the summer and a chance to win a grand prize. There will be awards for different age groups: infants and preschool, youth aged 5-11, tweens and teens, and adults.
Watch for details with dates and times of Summer Reading events and activities in future “Library News” columns throughout the summer. And, pick up the Summer Reading Program flyer at the library so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and activities available to you and your family.
Friday arts and crafts
Every Friday through Aug. 1, we are hosting special free all-ages events from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with experts leading sessions on different arts and crafts skills.
June 27 will feature Jesse Krebs, survivalist and “Alone” star, teaching us to make a survival bracelet. All materials will be provided.
Adult knitting and
needlework
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, June 26, for our free Knitters Circle from 1 to 3 p.m. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project. Any type of needleworker is welcome.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 30, for amateur musicians of all abilities to play, sing and jam with other people.
Hiatus for bilingual
storytimes
Please note that Hora de Cuentos, the bilingual storytime for children, will take as break in July and return in August.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for support, guidance, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
Taylor helps with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets, and also provides assistance in accessing the library’s online resources.
No appointment is needed for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4 to 5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5 to 6 p.m. for intermediate and 6 to 7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us share the word about these classes.
How-to and self-help
“The Complete Guide to Sheds/fourth edition” is a Black+Decker DIY guide. “Winning Grants Step by Step” helps you plan and write successful proposals. “Shooter’s Bible/116th edition” is the world’s bestselling firearms reference. “First-Time Landlord” is a Nolo guide to renting out a single-family home. “Start Your Second Act” by Shannon Russell offers advice on how to change careers or launch a business and create a new life for yourself.
Other nonfiction
“1861: The Lost Peace” by historian Jay Winik documents the weeks leading up to President Lincoln’s decision to go to war against the Confederacy. “Sea of Grass” by Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty explores the ecological marvel that is the North American prairie. “By the Second Spring” by historian Danielle Leavitt reveals the human cost of the Russian war in Ukraine. “Mesa Verde’s Secret Garden” by wilderness expert Christopher Barns is a history of the national park’s management preserving both natural and cultural resources while allowing for their enjoyment by visitors. “Shamanism: The Timeless Religion” by anthropologist Manvir Singh investigates the spiritual practice and powers of shamans.
Alert about book
donations
Over the years your library has greatly benefited from the generosity of our community in donating books to add to our collection and sell at the Friends of the Library book sales. But after this Saturday’s Friends book drive (see above) and for the next 12 months, we no longer can accept any donations.
That’s because we will be breaking ground for our expansion construction on Aug. 4. In anticipation, we are clearing out as much as we can so we can stay in the building during the construction. Many thanks for your understanding.
Quotable quote
“In the 1980s, I was rejected by CBS News over and over and over again over the years. They told me at one point, ‘Please stop applying.’ They really did. And at the time, I thought, ‘What’s wrong with these people?’ They couldn’t hear the song in my heart. Maybe they were smarter. Every time I was rejected, I got better. Maybe that was the plan. But I finally made them hear the music in my heart. You only lose if you quit. Do not settle.” — Scott Pelley’s commencement speech at Wake Forest University on May 19. He is a CBS News reporter and “60 Minutes” correspondent who has won numerous journalism awards and 40 Emmys.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs — and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home — please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.
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