Fun ways for families to keep reading over summer break are back at the Greater Victoria Public Library.
The free BC Summer Reading Club runs now through Sept. 5 and kids 12 and younger can join at any time.
“We know parents worry about the ‘summer slide’ where learning can decline during the summer months … to get started, pick up a reading record at any GVPL location,” public services librarian Leah Pearse said in a news release.
“The BC Summer Reading Club is an excellent program because it helps children develop academically, while sparking their love for stories and the library. Plus, there are some fantastic prizes to be won.”
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Children read, or are read to, for at least 20 minutes each day. All types of reading count, including reading in other languages and listening to audiobooks. Participants collect stickers and prizes each week. There are also online and in‐person programs such as Comic Camps with Tahltan comic artist Cole Pauls, a session with Jeni Chen, the creator of the 2023 BC Summer Reading Club artwork and a performance from The Myrtle Sisters.
GVPL branches across the region also host Baby Times, Summer Challenge and Read and Write Reviews (RAWR).
RAWR targets kids aged 10 to 18, and the challenge is for those 13 and older.
“Our popular Read and Write Reviews program encourages participants to read and share their thoughts by submitting a book review. Each review is an entry into the prize draw. This program is great because it empowers young readers to think critically and to express their opinions,” librarian Cheryl Landry said.
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This year’s Summer Challenge has 16 fun challenge encouraging participants to explore books beyond their usual choices.
“Discovering new characters and unfamiliar situations can be a powerful learning experience. And it can be a lot of fun and a great way to discover some hidden gems,” librarian Jennifer Rowan said.
Summer Baby Times and Indoor and Outdoor Family Storytimes began at the start of July and a series of StoryWalks are planned for this summer.
Visit www.gvpl.ca. for a full list of programs.
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