Public Radio for Alaska's Bristol Bay
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bristol Bay libraries start summer reading programs

KDLG News

School may be out for summer, but Bristol Bay libraries are trying to get local youth to keep cracking the books anyway. 

This summer, area libraries including Dillingham, Igiugig and South Naknek are offering programs that encourage reading throughout summer break.

The programs are meant to help stem the learning setbacks that occur when students have an extended break from school, and also offer an activity to help fill long summer days. This summer, the theme for many programs is “on your mark, get set, read.”

That’s an active theme, librarians said, chosen since the Olympics will be held later this summer.

Igiugig Librarian Tanya Salmon said the village has had a summer reading club since 1998. New this year to keep with the theme – jump ropes in the goody bags given to each kid at the kick-off event.

This summer, the Igiugig school library will open on Tuesday evenings through an agreement between the Village Council and the school district.

“We always order their battle books in advance, so they can start reading their battle books coming up,” Salmon said. “They check out books, some of the older kids read to the younger kids.”

During the rest of the week, reading club members are asked to track the number of books and pages that they read. Typically, 20-30 people participate.

“Our goal every year is to get over 2,000 books,” Salmon said. “And all of those who have helped contribute to the summer reading club with their books … , if they do surpass over 2,000 books, then the whole community earns a banana split party.”

The book count includes both kids and adults, although Salmon said the kids usually log the most reading.

Dillingham’s program has a similar set-up. Librarian Sonja Marx said the Dillingham program runs through July 28, with groups for ages 3-6, and 7-11 meeting on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to noon, and teens meeting Thursdays from 10:30 to noon. The weekly sessions include crafts, prizes and snacks and, like, Igiugig, a component of recording reading efforts every week.