Research shows that kids lose an average of 20% of their school-year gains over summer vacation. This “summer slide” tends to be even slipperier in poor communities. As summer approaches fast, the Free Library of Philadelphia is gearing up to fight that loss with Summer Reading activities galore.
Starting in June, The Kingsessing branch of the Free Library – at 1201 S. 51st Street – will host daily Summer Reading activities for children, Monday through Friday, at 3pm. Kids up to 11 years old will have fun while they learn with take-home crafts, creative challenges, and weird science. If camps wish to participate, they are requested to call ahead at (215) 685-2690.
On Monday, June 3rd, the library will host a Teen Summer Reading Kick-Off at 4pm. A local artist from the Soapbox Community Print Shop and Zine Library (at 47th and Kingsessing) will teach kids 12 to 19 years of age to create a “mini-zine,” a tiny book made from a single sheet of paper. Pizza and other refreshments will be served.
Starting on June 3rd, kids of all ages can sign up for Summer Reading by asking in person at the branch. All children will get a card to keep tabs on their progress and to win prizes along the way. All teens will get a free book and a free pass for up to six people to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Teens who complete a Summer Reading task will be entered into a raffle for free tickets to a Phillies game, one entry for each activity completed.
Later in the summer, teens will get the chance to share their reading recommendations while enjoying some water ice and other snacks at three Chat & Chill programs on Fridays throughout the summer: June 21st, July 12th, and August 2nd.
