We’re excited to launch our 2020 Summer Reading Program, which is focused on a simple daily habit of reading for 15 minutes. Read below for detailed instructions on how to get started.
Who can participate?
Anyone! Everyone! This year’s summer reading program is for residents of all ages who reside in our service area (Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich) and for all students who attend an RSU 1 school.
When does summer reading start and end this year?
You can start logging your reading on Monday, June 8. The final day to submit any completed logs will be Monday, August 24.
Does it matter what I read?
Nope! Read any format that you like (ie. print books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, graphic novels). The only rule is that you must read for 15 minutes in order to mark a square on your log.
How can I get start logging my minutes?
All you need is one of our paper logs, which can be obtained in one of four ways:
Then start coloring or dating a square for every 15 minutes that you read. That’s it!
How do I submit a completed log?
You can return your log to us in one of three ways:
How many logs can I submit?
You can submit up to 5 logs.
Why 15 minutes?
When a young person reads at least 15 minutes a day, there is a measurable change in reading fluency, vocabulary, and academic growth. An analysis comparing the engaged reading time and reading scores of more than 2.2 million students found a breaking point at 15 minutes; those who read 15 minutes or more a day saw accelerated reading gains (gains higher than the national average), and students who read just over a half-hour to an hour per day saw the greatest gains of all.
Added benefits of reading every day? Reading reduces stress and helps develop empathy. It’s a comforting routine. And even though it seems like a solitary activity, reading helps us create a sense of community around cherished images, stories, and ideas. We can travel far without ever leaving home.
How can I find materials to read?
Your library card can connect you with a wealth of digital and print materials through the access points listed below. Remember, anyone who lives in Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, West Bath, or Woolwich is eligible for a Patten card, and we can issue you one curbside if you don’t have one already.
(Phippsburg residents: Please note that you are eligible for a card at the Alfred F. Totman Library in Phippsburg which re-opened on June 1. You can borrow print materials there, and your Totman card also gives you access to the cloudLibrary service mentioned above.)
Who gets a prize?
Any child or young adult (through grade 12) who finishes their first log will be mailed a gift card for a free book from the Mockingbird Bookshop or the Library Bookstore. Additionally, any participant (of any age!) will be entered in our end-of-summer raffle each time they complete a reading log.
What are the raffle prizes?
We will be raffling twelve $25 gift certificates purchased from local businesses. Think pizza, books, ice cream . . .
How will I know if I won a raffle prize?
We will announce the names of the raffle winners on social media on August 25th, and we will mail the gift certificates to winners that week.
What if I have more questions that aren’t answered here?
Don’t hesitate to call (207) 443-5141 x12 or email pflreference@patten.lib.me.us if you have further questions.
