Summer reading programs are a staple of modern public libraries. As community spaces, public libraries are uniquely situated as a resource for families who are trying to combat “summer slide,” or the learning loss that can happen for students when they are out of school through the summer. One of the easiest ways to keep kids reading and learning when they’re out of school is to make it fun — which is exactly what the summer reading program is all about! Read a little bit each day to earn weekly prizes, and complete all six weeks to qualify for the pool & pizza party, a free book, and grand prize drawing.

While combatting summer slide is an obvious reason for participating in a summer reading program for kids and teens, many public libraries (including CPLD!) have expanded their summer reading programs to encourage people of all ages to participate. Why should adults who already know how to read care about developing a daily reading habit? A quick Google search will produce all kinds of arguments for the benefits of reading for adults, ranging from stress relief to improved brain health to promoting empathy. A 2016 study from Yale University School of Public Health even found that reading a book for an average of 30 minutes each day is correlated to increased lifespan in adults over the age of 50. As additional encouragement, this year CPLD will have more adult-focused summer reading prizes, including an expanded collection of adult book prizes and a special Adults-Only After-Hours Party at the Library.

Summer reading at CPLD runs June 7-July 18; visit bit.ly/cpld26 to learn more and register. For more information about CPLD’s services and programs, visit chillipld.org, give us a call at 309-274-2719, or come visit us at 430 N. Bradley Ave.

CPLD is grateful for support from our generous Summer Reading sponsors: Anonymous, Broad Branch Farm, Casey’s, CEFCU, Chillicothe Players Theatre, Chillicothe Hometown Voice, Communication Junction, Dairy Queen, Dame Fine Coffee, Discover Peoria, Dunkin’, Elevate, Escapetown Peoria, First Ascent, Libby, McDonald’s, Optimist Club of Chillicothe, Pearce Community Center, Peoria PlayHouse Museum, Peoria Riverfront Market, Stems by Allison, Swank, Taco Bell, Tanners Orchard, Wheels O’ Time Museum, and Wildlife Prairie Park.