THUNDER BAY – The annual TD Summer Reading Club, a free seven-week program for children under age 12, encourages children to continue to read throughout the summer.
Laura Prinselaar, programming librarian with Thunder Bay Public Library, said it’s really important that kids continue to practice reading throughout the summer.
“There’s a concept called the summer slide, where kids who stop reading during summer start school again and have back slid in their abilities.”
A program like this encourages the reading habit throughout the summer, she said.
Prinselaar said one of the best parts about working in the library is helping connect kids with a book that’s really going to ignite their love of reading.
The reading club has two age groups, from zero to five and from five to 12.
“Every week the children come to the library and pick up an incentive and speak with staff about what they have been reading.
“There’s no need to read from a specific list, and there is no amount they have to have read to complete the week,” she said
All reading is good reading and it’s all worthwhile, Prinselaar said.
For the second week of the reading program, participants will receive Border Cats tickets, and other weekly incentives for reading.
Later weeks will feature giveaways from long-time sponsors Mario’s Bowl and Boston Pizza.
The library has been offering a summer reading program for over 30 years - with the goal of fostering a lifelong love of reading.
“One of the most valuable parts of the program is that it helps children build a habit of reading,” Prinselaar said.
Library story time events in July will feature readings by Border Cats players.
Bryan Graham, vice-president of the Thunder Bay Border Cats, said they are all excited to work with the library.
“The Border Cats being a locally owned and operated team - we are all about community.
“This is a great way for us to be involved with the community, not just within Port Arthur Stadium, but out in Thunder Bay,” he said.
Graham said the players are all college athletes who are attending school throughout the year.
“They’re here playing ball because they want to move onto professional baseball and the Northwood League provides that opportunity.
“It’s great that they are engaged in the community. With their busy schedules they take time to volunteer in the community for programs like this,” Graham said.
Registration is now open for the program for up to 550 children. Register online or in person at any library branch or over the phone.
