Summer Reading Program is back

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After a two-year absence, the Summer Reading Program was held here June 8 - July 31 to offer opportunities for children to sharpen their reading skills, learn about various music genres and associated dances, and participate in related art projects.

"We were excited to receive some great sponsorships, which has helped us put on a great program for the kids this summer," said Jennifer Kepple, Integrated Learning Center library director.

This year's theme was "Summer Reading: Read to the Rhythm."

Story Time, open to participants of all ages with base access, was held Tuesdays at Bldg. 2579, also known as 'The Bubble,' during the eight-week period. Children were read to by base volunteers and had to be accompanied by an adult.

After the reading portion, children were introduced to music related to the books read to them. Performances were given by base volunteers.

Other entertainment included marching and bugling from Eglin's Honor Guard; recorded jazz and salsa music; live music from keyboards, bass and acoustic guitar, ukulele, clarinet and bagpipes; and movie themes, according to Kepple.

"We had 240 attendees who participated in the program's eight June events," she said. 

Children could choose to read either electronic or hardcopy books, Kepple said. Children and adults were assigned a library card number for use in downloading e-books to their reading device from one of three databases. 

The other option was reading hardcopy (not for checkout) books at Bldg. 2579.

Children kept logs of books they read and received a sticker and a 'library buck' for each one completed. 

The stickers and library bucks were incentives to keep the children reading every week, Kepple said.  The younger readers' parents were asked to read five books a week. Older, independent children who read chapter books were asked to read for at least an hour a day.

"They could bring their logs to the center at any time during the program, to get their stickers and library bucks," Kepple said. "They didn't have to wait until a Story Time session to do it."

Special Summer Reading Program events included: four music-related Saturday movies at the center during June and July, with popcorn, candy, crafts and games included; beach day; and Aero Club and Air Armament Museum tours.

At the end of summer party July 31, children turned in their reading logs and spent their library bucks on new books, Kepple said. Giveaways, snacks and games were provided.

Kepple said the Summer Reading Program is an important supplement to children's scholastic growth and development.

"If children continue to read throughout the summer, the back-to-school transition will be better for them," she said. 

Those interested in more information on the program may call 882-9308 or click here to view the Eglin Air Force Base Integrated Learning Center page.