Summer time is when many libraries come alive with reading programs geared for the youngest patrons. The N.H. Summer Reading theme this year "Camp Wanna Read" and the Kids, Books, and the Arts program sponsored by the N.H. State Library, in collaboration with the N.H. State Council on the Arts, the Byrne Foundation and the Sidore Foundation, work to get young children interested in reading with entertaining performers who make reading part of their message.

I was honored to be invited to Milton Mills on June 25th to take part in the kick-off of the very successful summer reading program run by the Nute Middle High School & Library and librarian, Karen Brown. I read Summer Stinks by Marty Kelley of New Boston. The audience, of almost three hundred, was treated to a performance by Jody Goulay on the theme of camping and a visit from Fungo the Mascot of the New Hampshire Fishercats baseball team. The Nute Middle High School & Library do an outstanding job making reading fun for kids to keep them interested over the summer months. Summer reading has become one of the most important programs for public libraries in New Hampshire. Ann Hoey, Youth Services Librarian at the State Library, spends a great deal of her time working with librarians from all over the state on summer reading activities. Through her efforts, the State Library has been able to secure funding from a number of organizations and foundations to fund the performers who take part in the Kids, Books, and the Arts programs. This year, Ms. Hoey worked with the new minor league baseball team in Manchester to promote reading among young baseball fans.

Teachers and reading specialists have recognized for some time that it is important to keep students reading over the summer so they do not loose cognitive skills and are ready to start the new school year. Many teachers have to spend the first few months of the school year in reading recovery, which slows down student progress.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), "Numerous studies have shown that summer programs help insure that school children retain reading and learning skills over the summer recess."

The N.H. State Library is pleased to be part of the efforts to help children enjoy reading.

-Michael York, State Librarian