Historic Triangle libraries kick off summer reading programs to combat learning loss

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – Research has shown for decades that students, especially younger ones, can experience learning setbacks over summer break – a phenomenon commonly known as the “summer slide.” 

A 2020 study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that students in 1st through 8th grade lose 17-34% of their school year gains on average during the summer months.

Dr. James Kim, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, explained the significance of this loss in an interview with Scholastic.

“Things like decoding, letter knowledge, and word reading skills are very susceptible to decay without frequent practice, as are math facts like addition and subtraction,” Kim said.

The summer slide is a concern for both parents and educators, yet the summer season often presents limited options for families.

Fortunately, the Historic Triangle’s regional libraries are stepping up to help combat potential learning loss among their patrons.

The Williamsburg Regional Library will kick off its Children’s Summer Reading Program, “First Day Fun,” with music and snacks on the library front lawn on June 14 at 1 p.m.

Other highlights of this year’s program include Free Book Week (August 3-9), where each participant can choose a book to keep; a community-wide goal of logging 60,000 books on the Beanstack portal; and weekly events at the library tied to this year’s theme, “Color Our World,” focusing on community engagement, creativity and kindness.

“With the theme, we are inviting organizations to come and talk about what they do, as far as getting kids excited about giving back to their community,” Williamsburg Regional Library Youth Services Director Alicia Phinney said. 

Speakers from Heritage Humane Society, FISH, the Virginia Master Naturalists and other local organizations will be giving educational presentations at the library throughout the summer.

The children’s program is open to kids from birth to 8th grade and runs through August 2. 

Teen and adult summer reading programs will be offered, too.

Registration for all ages is available now at wrl.beanstack.org, in person at the WRL or at a Bookmobile stop.

The York County Public Library will also be running a Summer Reading Challenge from June 26 to August 9.

Both libraries promote a flexible approach to their summer reading programs and encourage participants to read anything they enjoy: novels, comics, audiobooks, e-books, magazines and more.

“It’s not like an extension of school. We want you to read anything and everything over the summer,” Phinney said.

Michelle Paxton, the York County Public Library youth services coordinator, suggests creative ways to even tie reading into real-world adventures.

“If they’re reading a book that’s set at the beach, they could go down to Yorktown Beach and spend time there and make that connection…to make a connection that it’s just not words on a page,” Paxton said.

Parenting Expert Ericka Souter further emphasizes the power of novelty and hands-on experiences to engage young brains.

“Experts have found that novelty stimulates the brain and promotes learning,” Souter said. “Visiting a historic site or even simply reading together at the park can help your child get more excited about reading and learning.”

In addition to summer reading, Souter recommends simple, but effective activities like giving kids math workbooks, asking them to double a recipe while cooking or having them run a lemonade stand to encourage math skill retention.

Family-friendly events like weekday concerts, outdoor movie night and historical site visits can also keep kids engaged.

The Historic Triangle and its regional libraries are embracing a culture of learning this summer to combat the summer slide. 

For more information on summer reading programs and other upcoming library events, visit Williamsburg Regional Library’s website at wrl.org or York County Public Library’s website at yorkcounty.gov/3773/Public-Library.