Registration for Princeton Public Library’s 2018 summer reading program began Monday, June 1. This summer’s theme, “Reading Takes You Everywhere,” is not a travel theme; it is about how, through reading, one can explore, discover, and experience people, places, and things that one wouldn’t normally encounter. This includes fiction and non-fiction that is reality-based, but also stories based purely on imagination: life in other dimensions, on other planets, and other times; people, places, and things that might be outside one’s reach, or outside of one’s comfort zone.

Princeton Public Library has scheduled over 20 different programs both in and out of the library this summer to help expand our summer readers’ horizons. To see a brochure of the events CLICK HERE. One does not need to be registered for summer reading or hold a Princeton Public Library card to attend summer reading activities, but some activities will be by advance registration only due to limited materials and attendance.

But summer reading is important beyond the fun activities. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.  “Students who read during the summer maintain their levels in reading and math better when they return to school in the fall. And when children can choose materials based on their own interests, they read more,” says Youth Services director Ron McCutchan.

To register for “Reading Takes You Everywhere,” participants should have access to a library card, since the expectation is that most of summer reading will Princeton Public Library materials (books, magazines, or audio books). Participants will track hours of reading (in 15 minute increments) and can win prizes for reaching their reading goals, with incentive prizes at several levels. For each hour of reading or program attended, participants also receive a ticket to put in raffle jars for different prizes, with the drawing to be held at the end of July.

Registration extends through June 16 (although children may register at any point during the program).  To learn more about the summer adventure at the library, please call 815-875-1331