School may be out for summer, but that doesn't mean students are off the hook when it comes to reading. In an effort to encourage kids to open up a book now and then, the Portage Co. Library offers several free programs for kids through the summer months.
Children from kindergarten through 12th grade can participate in reading incentive activities, where they receive prizes for going to the library, volunteering or finishing a certain number of books.
"We try to make it really fun for them," said Nicole Ozanich, the youth services librarian. "And we also use a variety of formats. So even though a child might not like reading a chapter book, they might like reading a magazine or they might enjoy taking home an audio book for the whole family to listen to."
The goal is to get kids to use their brains, even when they aren't being told to do so by a teacher or parent.
"It is very important that kids read over the summer because studies have shown that kids who do not read over the summer, when they start school again in the fall, their skill level is not as high as it was when they finished off the last school year," Ozanich said.
Last year, 1,500 students signed up for the various programs. Among teens, they recorded reading more than 700 books in the 10-week summer period.
Another cool option out there is e-books. Anyone can check out a story with their Kindle or other e-reader.
The Marathon Co. Library Branches also offers free summer programs, like evening story time for kids and performances from magicians and musicians. Contact your local branch to learn more.