The Greater Hamilton Library is participating in the state-wide BIG Summer Read program this year to help curb the 'Summer Slide' for young readers across the region.
The 'Summer Slide' is a well-known phenomenon that describes the enormous loss of literacy that occurs over the summer school holidays for children who don't continue to read. Extensive studies have shown that these children lose up to two - three months reading proficiency.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Senior Library Services Officer Chris Jenkins said the program developed by Public Libraries Victoria is a great way to keep young readers across the region engaged and active through the warmer months.
"The Big Summer Read is an incentivised program targeting primary aged children to keep reading during Summer. Participants can easily track their reading with a free downloadable app Beanstack or by using the Big Summer Read booklet," said Ms Jenkins.
"The booklet is provided by the library as part of the welcome pack for all those who register for the program. The Beanstack app works like a "Fitbit" but for reading, and can motivate children to continue reading and sustain their literacy levels through summer."
"We have some great prizes on offer this year from our valued local sponsors so get involved and register today. The more you read, the more entries you have in the final prize draw," concluded Ms Jenkins.
The program runs from 1 December 2021 through to 31 January 2022. Local sponsors for the program include Bellcourt Books and Toyworld Hamilton who have generously donated some great prizes to be won along with other major prizes including a Samsung Tablet and a Fitbit Ace 3 with the winners to be drawn 4 February 2022.
Children can register for the program at the library, online at www.plv.beanstack.org or simply pick up a registration form from the Greater Hamilton Library.
JOIN. BORROW. PLAY. WIN!
Pictured: Mitch Walker, age 9, from Gray Street Primary School who is the first participant for the program.
