‘Read for the Win’ program starts Monday

Monday, June 20, is the first day of summer! It’s also the first day of the Summer Reading Program at the Library, with the theme, “Read for the Win.” To kick off the program, Petals the Clown will be doing balloon art for Library visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. that afternoon. The program runs through July 30.

During that time all ages can sign up and be counted for their reading. The goals are based on times or books read, which allows participants to get credit for reading during vacation when they are not available to visit the Library each week.

This year, the Canyon Lake Library will be participating with the California Library challenge to get one million people reading at least five books over the summer. This includes adults and children of all ages,” says Librarian Sandra Brautigam. “Summer reading program books can be used for becoming ‘one in a million’ with the California Library challenge.

Sandra says children birth to 3 and older who are not reading have a place in this program. Speaking, singing and reading to children of this age are major factors in their ability to learn later in life. The library program has rewards for children whose parents are reading to or with children who are not reading yet.

Adults reading with non-reading or low literacy adults are also welcome in the Canyon Lake program, as are the adults improving their reading skills.

Why summer reading?

Sandra says, “For children, the summer programs prevent what is called ‘summer slide,’ the loss of academic abilities after a break from academic challenges. The reading programs are meant to be fun, with children choosing their own books to read; however, they have the result of children who test higher in reading and math when returning to school than those who did not participate in summer programs.”

The Canyon Lake program is an incentive program with rewards at particular stages in the basic program. To encourage reading beyond the basic goals, an extra reading raffle is held for additional prizes. Prizes are provided by the Friends of the Canyon Lake Library and donations from the community.

The Library is still accepting donations from the community for children and adult reading rewards. These may be in the form of certificates or items. Those donating will be listed on a “Thank You List” to show Library visitors who has supported reading within this community.  The top extra reading prize this year is a full day pass to Rock Fitness in Murrieta, a local rock climbing facility.

Today, June 17, at 11:30 a.m., preschoolers are invited to Miss Ginny’s Preschool Craft and Story Time, celebrating Father’s Day. This activity includes music, movement, crafts and stories and will be the last of Miss Ginny’s Story Times until school starts again in August.

The knitting program will continue every Wednesday and welcomes younger knitters for the one-hour program. The knitting program has ventured into crochet for those who choose to participate by learning or sharing.

The Canyon Lake Library is located inside the City Hall building. It’s open Mondays, 10 to 7, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 to 6, and Saturdays 10 to 3. It’s closed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Canyon Lake Library is a member of the Riverside County Library System (www.rivlib.net) honoring cards and returns from other affiliated libraries. It has a Facebook page. For more information, call 951-244-9181.