CHILDREN DON'T HAVE TO TAKE READING VACATION

Students long anticipate the fun and activity of summer vacation. Teachers, on the other hand, often dread the backsliding that can occur when academic skills are idled during the summer months.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Area libraries are doing their part to help youngsters retain their reading skills during the summer.

Cape Girardeau and Jackson Public Libraries along with Riverside Regional Library offer extensive summer reading programs for kids. Libraries represent an often-overlooked partner in learning - for both youngsters and adults.

In Cape Girardeau, youngsters "contract" to read a specific number of books. If they meet their goal, they will receive a free paperback book, and will be eligible for drawings of bigger prizes.

Jackson's Public Library and the Riverside Regional Library are both participating in the state "Undercover Readers" program, in which children can earn awards for reading five or more books.

All three libraries also offer story times and a number of other activities and talks to encourage reading.