By Michelle Blaylock  

Library manager  

William Bradford Huie 

Library of Hartselle 

We had a fantastic kick-off to our summer reading program this year with 94 kids and 46 adults in attendance. This year our program will run every Thursday from June 1 to July 20.  It’s never too late to get involved and join in the fun.  Our calendars are posted on the City of Hartselle and Friends of the Library Facebook pages, and online at Hartselle.org>Community> William Bradford Huie Library.   

Summer reading is extremely important to help kids maintain their reading skills during the summer. The old phrase, “use it or lose it” is very true.  Research has shown kids lose up to two months of reading skills and fluency over the course of summer vacation. Summer is a perfect time for kids to have the chance to read whatever they like.  Unlike during school time, where reading is often guided and specific books are chosen to introduce new skills, kids have the luxury to read anything that interests them during the summer.  I also encourage parents to not force their child to finish a book that they have lost interest in. The point of summer reading programs is for kids to have fun, maybe find new authors or genres to explore and practice reading skills. 

In addition to encouraging our young patrons through our summer reading program, we also have reading bingos and reading logs for our young adult and adult patrons.  There is something for everyone in the summer reading program this year. We hope to see you soon at the library.