READING PROGRAMS OFFER GREAT SUMMER ESCAPE

Reading is the last thing most children want to do once the final school bell has rung for the summer. But many local libraries and bookstores hope to inspire children to read by providing fun, free and interesting summer reading programs.

Cape Public Library, Barnes and Nobles Booksellers, Hastings and Riverside Regional Library in Jackson are just some of the places providing summer reading programs to prove reading can be fun.

The Cape Girardeau Public Library has found a sure-fire way to keep the children interested.

"We bribe them, we really do," said Ann Randolph, youth services coordinator for the library.

For its summer programs bicycles, books and coupons for restaurants are given to children who participate in the reading programs.

Most reading programs offer prizes to children who complete their programs. And while having to bribe the children to read may seem unfortunate, Randolph thinks the ends justifies the means.

More than 1,200 children enrolled in summer programs at the Cape Girardeau Public Library last year and about 65 percent completed the program, reading as many books as they signed up to.

While more than 200 children didn't reach their goal, Randolph says at least they read some books, which is much better than not reading at all.

Research shows that many students lose reading skills over the summer, while children who continue to read and write generally improve.

"Children who read throughout the summer show a remarkable difference in the amount of information they retain," Randolph said. "They don't have to review as much as those who don't read over the summer."

And it doesn't matter what the they read, Randolph says, as long as they read something.

Younger children like "Dr. Seuss," "Curious George" and the "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" books while older children tend to choose mysteries, westerns, adventures and even a few classics like "Mark Twain" and "Huckleberry Finn."

But horror books are the most popular books checked out by children these days, Randolph said.

"Their parents are reading Stephen King and other people like that. The kids want the same thing," she said.

For the past several years, one of the most popular series is "Goosebumps" by R.L. Stine.

"The kids love them," Randolph said. "It's the only thing out there in horror."

Summer reading is so important, national political figures have spoken out in favor of it.

In April, U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley challenged the nation's children to keep reading through the summer.

"Summer is a time of fun for children," Riley told the Illinois State Library at the kickoff of READ*WRITE*NOW!, a national effort to improve the reading and writing skills of America's preschool and elementary students.

"But it's also a time when we, as adults, must make sure that our young students don't lose the skills they've acquired during the school year," he said. "That's why developing summer reading partnerships is an important way adults and teens can help children stay on the right path to maintaining and improving their reading and writing skills."

No one can deny that reading throughout the summer is important.

"Summer reading stimulates children so they can continue learning and keep their interest in books," said Krista Schafer, community relations coordinator for Barnes and Nobel Booksellers, which offers a variety of summer reading programs for children and young adults. "It's very important for growth and intellect.

"The important thing is keeping their minds working," she said.

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

CAPE GIRARDEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY

Reading club sets dates

Children, 2 to 12, may sign up to read or listen to no fewer than five books from June 1 through Aug. 3. For every five books they read, they will receive a coupon from a local restaurant. When they reach the number of books they signed up for, they will receive a free paperback book and a chance to win a new bike. The last day to sign up will be July 27. No signs will be made by phone.

Book Buddies plan program

The book buddy program is designed for first-, second- and third-graders who like to hear a great book read aloud. The readings will be Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. from June 11 through July 30.

People can register at Youth Services at the Cape Girardeau Public Library or by phone, (573) 334-5279.

Toddlertime scheduled

Stories and crafts for 18 months to 2-year-olds and their parents are planned Mondays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. from June 10 through July 29.

Reading Is Fundamental slated

: June 1-Aug.3

There will be free books for those just signing up for the Reading Is Fundamental program from June 1 through Aug. 3, and for every book checked out from the Cape Girardeau Public Library or the Homework Literacy Center, participants will receive a free book. Young adults reading six books will be eligible to enter a drawing for a bicycle. The last day to sign up is Saturday, July 27.

Eager Listener Program

The summer Eager Listener Program is for pre-readers who will have their selections read to them. Participants in the Eager Listener Program must sign or have an adult sign a contract stating how many books the child will listen to. (A minimum of five books is required.) All books must be checked out from the Cape Girardeau Public Library or the Homework and Literacy Center and taken home before they are recorded on the child's log sheet. For each five books read, a coupon from a local establishment will be presented to the child. Upon completion of the program, the child will receive a certificate of accomplishment with a gold seal attached, a free paperback book and an entry blank for the prize drawing.

Summer Reading Program

The summer reading program is for readers who can read by themselves. A contract must be signed for the program telling how many books are going to be read. (A minimum of five books are required.) All books must be checked out from the Cape Girardeau Public Library or the Homework and Literacy Center and taken home before they are recorded. The books should be at the child's reading level or above. After completing the book, the child should take it to the Youth Services Department in the library and record it on his log sheet. For each five books read, the child will receive a coupon from a local establishment.

Hastings reading club

Hastings Summer Reader Club offers 20 percent off all children's books during June, July and August. The children can also fill out entry forms with their brief synopsis of the books they have read. These entries will be part of a drawing at the end of each month for special prizes, which will be donated by book publishing companies. This program is free and easy to join. Membership cards will be provided and book report entry forms.

Barnes and Noble sets program

Barnes and Noble offers much for children to do in the way of reading over the summer. On Tuesdays, children ages 2 to 5 will meet at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., children 6 to 10 will meet. On Thursday evenings, children of all ages will meet at 6:30. The first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. is the American Girl's Club, and the third Saturday at 7 p.m. the popular "Goosebumps" books are read.

Riverside Library plans programs

On Tuesdays the Riverside Regional Library at Jackson will furnish children with reading opportunities during "Summer Storytime" from June 11 through July 23. Tuesday, June 11, marks the kickoff celebration at 9:30 a.m. Registration for the summer reading programs is on this date. Each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. will hold a new reading related activity.