The Cottonwood Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is aiming to encourage a love of reading among kids and teenagers again with art activities, storytimes and special events.
Participants can earn prizes including books, art supplies, gift certificates and more if they read more than 500 minutes during the summer for kids age 5 and under or more than 1,000 minutes for kids age 6 or older. Last year, the program had over 300 participants.
“It made my 9-year-old, especially last summer, really get a love for reading, at least help him be motivated to do it, besides stuff we have been trying,” said Ginny Martin, who moved to Cottonwood from Flagstaff five years ago and has been sending her two sons, whom she homeschools, to the program since they arrived.
“They might be, to moms, the most trivial of things, but it’s really motivating to younger kids and teenagers to say, ‘Oh, I can make it to that next level by hammering it out or listening to books on tape while playing with Legos, or doing something in the car,’” Martin said. “It sparks their interest of being able to look at history, look at science, it motivates them to look at different categories than just a graphic novel they want to run to, a comic.”
She said she also valued the social aspects of the program: “I think it’s vital — there is always going to be dealing with people that are older than them and then that can translate down to peer level. So it’s good because they’re talking to other adults in the class, they’re interacting with the librarians and having articulate conversations. And then to be with their peers and be able to problem-solve. If you don’t step away and let them problem-solve and let conundrums and fights, maybe — I think it really messes up society if you don’t let them have some of that time by themselves and not be kind of a helicopter parent. They learn how to make mistakes together, disagree.”
Martin said that the library’s Youth Services supervisor, Danielle Ave, was responsible for making the program inclusive regardless of reading ability.
“The program has been a staple in our community for decades,” Ave said. “Many of us, myself included, participated as children back in the 1990s and 2000s. It’s been incredible to see how it has continued to grow and evolve over the years. Reading during the summer is incredibly important. It keeps young minds engaged, helps maintain academic progress between school years and gives kids a chance to explore new topics and stories in a fun, low-pressure environment.”
Ave also said the program will run through July 14, and that it was never too late to sign up.
For more information about the Cottonwood Public Library’s summer reading program and associated events, visit cottonwoodaz.gov.
