Even though school is letting out for summer vacation next week, it doesn’t mean that your child’s learning has to take a vacation, too. Sign them up for the North Webster Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, starting June 3, and keep them engaged in learning all summer long.

Numerous studies have shown that reading over summer prevents the learning loss that typically occurs over summer break, and this learning loss can be cumulative. By the end of sixth grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer end up two years behind their classmates who continue to read throughout summer breaks.

Summer reading programs offered by public libraries provide quality learning activities that are fun and instill the love of reading for recreation. Free, voluntary reading helps students become better readers, writers and spellers and studies indicate that recreational readers perform better in school.

When your child participates in the children’s “Dig into Reading” club or the teen’s “Beneath the Surface” reading club, they’ll earn prizes for every five hours of reading they complete. In addition to reading, NWPL will be hosting fun-filled events and activities throughout the summer, along with special activities just for teens.

Magician Jack Strauss will kick off the Summer Reading Program with his “Readers of the Lost Book” show filled with magic, comedy, and adventure on Wednesday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the North Webster Community Center Banquet Hall.

Then at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6, a teen-only movie will be shown about a ghostly couple and a family of social misfits in a supernatural comedy rated PG. Stop by the Youth Services Desk for a complete schedule of summer events and activities.

In the Adult Services Department, the Voyager Book Club meets Monday, June 3, to discuss an adventure book that each one has read. Hope Beezley will be teaching how to design and create original greeting cards in the Make and Take Card Class at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6. Advance registration is required for this class along with a $7 class fee. No advance registration is needed for the eBay for Beginners Class offered at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8. Just show up and learn how easy it is to buy and sell on eBay.

No matter what your age, reading is a great way to spend the summer. The NWPL has expanded its collection, adding new titles each week. The library also offers a large selection of e-books that can be downloaded onto your e-reader free of charge using your North Webster Library card. Visit www.nweb.lib.in.us or stop by the front desk to learn how.