Reading Over the Summer is Critical to Aca-demic Success

Register for the Library’s Summer Reading Program to Prepare for the Fall

Registration for the Westfield Memorial Library Summer Reading Program for kids ages 0 through 17 begins June 17. Westfield library cardholders can register at http://wmlnj.readsquared.com or through the READsquared app. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

“Summer reading is critical to help students avoid the summer slide, which is the tendency of students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year,” said director Allen McGinley. “Reading throughout the summer also fosters social-emotional development, helps students discover the joy of stories, and elevates the importance of lifelong learning.”

“This is especially critical for younger children, as developing early childhood literacy skills can have a tremendous impact on success in school and future careers,” he continued.

Children who register for the program track their reading throughout the summer and earn fun prizes. The program is designed to include children of all ages and reading abilities and includes recommended book lists for each grade. For those children not yet reading on their own, the library has the Little Listeners Program. For independent readers, requirements to earn prizes depend on the child’s grade level.

To join the program designed specifically for tweens and teens, participants must have a Westfield Library card and be entering grades 6-12.

“Our summer reading program uses games, activities, prizes, and events to encourage students to keep reading over the summer. In fact, more than 2,400 Westfield students participated in 2018 and 2019. Summer reading was limited in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, so we are anticipating a strong resurgence in 2023,” said McGinley.

For every two hours participants read after earning their book, they are entered in a raffle for a grand prize.

Librarian staff can help participants register and give them a reading record to track their progress. Stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street, visit our website at www.wmlnj.org, or facebook.com/wmlnj and see how we can make your life in Westfield even better.