Kelly Richardson was at the Patrick Henry Library with her son, Neil, 2. “The summer reading program really motivates my daughter,” said Richardson. “My son doesn’t care; he likes to read. But my daughter likes the coupon book as a reward.” Photo by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
The summer is a time for reading at the Patrick Henry public library in Vienna. Librarians chat about books and children run around an open kids reading section. The board on the back wall of the library reads: “Reading by Design! Summer Reading Books.”
But it is not only children that came to the Patrick Henry library to catch up on a good summer read. There are plenty of adults and teens seated at the computers and between the stacks.
“We sponsor teen events, so summer reading isn’t just for kids,” said Alicia Rocconi, Youth Services manager at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. Registration at the previous night’s guided meditation was full. “This was a surprise because we usually don’t get such a good turnout for the teen events.”
Most of the summer reading events at the library are targeted at children. “But anyone who wants to read can be rewarded,” said Rocconi. There’s even a selfie wall for people to pose for a picture when they complete the program. The front desk of the library is covered in student drawn awards for completing the summer reading program.
Andres Salguero, a popular children’s performer, was at the Patrick Henry library the past month.
The summer reading adventure runs from June 23 to Sept. 2. Students participating read a set amount of books for their level, Preschool through third grade read 15 books, or have them read to them, fourth through sixth grade read 10 books, and students from seventh grade to 12th read 5 books.
“The number of books goes down the higher the grade level because we expect them to be reading longer books with more substance. The little kids are just reading picture books mostly, that’s why we require 15,” said Rocconi.
Kelly Richardson was at the Patrick Henry Library with her son, Neil, 2. “The summer reading program really motivates my daughter,” said Richardson. “My son doesn’t care; he likes to read. But my daughter likes the coupon book as a reward.”
Students who complete the summer reading adventure by Sept. 2 get a coupon booklet full of free and discounted prizes.
“We like the Patrick Henry Library because it is more open in the kids section and I can keep an eye on my kids while they read. But Oakton Library has more books,” said Richardson.
Librarians like Rocconi go to the Fairfax Public Schools towards the end of the school year and begin pitching the summer reading program to the kids. They bring a few books with them to spark interest in summer reading.
“There is a direct benefit that they stay engaged during the summer and reading programs help to prevent that slide. Their mind is still running when they go back to school and teachers don’t have to spend the first month of school repeating.” said Rocconi.
Graphic novels are popular this year with students, as is the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and “The Dork Diaries.” Rocconi insists that there is no right book for summer reading. “There is no requirement; the idea is to make summer reading as fun as possible.”