'Paws to Read' this summer at the base library Published June 4, 2014 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Children, teens, and adults at Scott Air Force Base can participate in a summer reading program at the library from June 9 to Aug. 1. "Paws to Read" is the theme of the program and aims to reach military families on bases and installations around the globe. Registration is open throughout the summer to readers of all ages. A kick-off party is June 16 at 6 p.m. at the Base Library. It will feature a petting zoo, bouncy house, the USO, and other activities. "We make sure reading is fun for children and families, but we also know it's a seriously important program for supporting brain development, student achievement and learning over a lifetime" said Tamela Smith, 375th Force Support Squadron supervisory librarian. The summer reading program was developed based on decades of research showing that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer, according to the National Summer Learning Association. Scott's library continues to hold the summer reading program to encourage reading that becomes a lifelong habit. Reluctant readers may be drawn in by the activities, and reading during the summer helps youth keep their skills up. Ultimately, the program generates an interest in the library and books, said Smith. Summer reading programs can help offset that loss, because studies also indicate students who read recreationally out-perform those who do not. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests. "If you have a child who is not a 'reader' it's OK," said Smith. "Be flexible and let them read in the way most enjoyable to them. Keep a positive attitude about reading--books are not the only way to read. Encourage them to look at magazines with a topic they are interested in, listen to audiobooks, or read a graphic novel." Participants will receive incentives during the summer reading program--each child and teen who signs up for the program will get a free T-shirt. Movie tickets, laser tag, stuffed animals and book bags are some of the rewards for racking up reading points. A reading "Bingo" game will be played weekly for drawings. Adults will be entered to win a prize for each book they read--adult prizes include an electronic reader. "We hope people will really sink their teeth into this year's program and fetch more books than ever before," said Smith. Last summer the global program set a reading record of 14.6 million minutes spent reading. The Scott Library had the largest enrollment in the continental United States with more than 1,000 readers registered. This year, the program is hoped to increase by at least 10 percent, said Smith. "We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful, active and thriving library," said Smith. "Many Air Force base libraries have closed or are soon closing their doors. That being said, we do not anticipate closing, but it is more important than ever for the Scott community to come support us and show the Air Force just how important your library is to you. This is the only way the 'powers that be' will know the library's value to you and your families. If you have never visited us, the summer is a wonderful busy time to pop in and check us out to see what we have to offer. You may be surprised at what you find." The summer reading program is not all that the library has to offer for the summer. A pet care class, a teen trivia and scavenger hunt night, a jewelry making class, an origami class and a few free movies are scheduled to take place at the library throughout the summer. "We are especially excited to host 'Animal Tales,'" said Smith, "who will bring live animals for an 'edzoocation' show at our finale party." Visit www.ireadprogram.org to learn more about the "Paws to Read" program. For more information about the library call 256-5100 or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scottafblibrary.