FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Groninger Library's summer reading program for children, teens and adults officially started here June 27th.
The free program, which runs through August 14, is designed to assist parents and guardians in promoting and maintaining crucial reading and listening skills for children. It also encourages and supports a love of reading.
Pre-registration is required and the program is open to active-duty and retired personnel, civilians, contractors and their family members. Parents and guardians can register their children from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday, through Wednesday. Older participants can sign up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Saturday.
"This year's theme is 'Read for the Win'," said Valerie Fashion, Groninger Library director. "Our program offers unlimited possibilities for your child's discoveries in the wonderful world of books."
Participants can complete a summer reading log to earn prizes and points. Points, equivalent to play money valued at the play money face value, can be earned for reading books, attending library programs and completing program activity sheets.
Reading logs must be turned in to the library staff for credit in order to receive prizes, which may be substituted.
Readers are not limited to reading library books. Magazines, school and comic books and audiobooks all meet the eligibility requirements. When older children read to younger children, both can earn credit, said Fashion.
A group of Fort Eustis School Age Program children ages 7 to 8 years old were the first to register at the kick-off event. Other groups expected to register throughout the seven-week program include the Yorktown Navy Child Development Center, Clue Club, Virginia Cooperative Extension and older children from the Fort Eustis School Age Group.
"It is important for children of all ages to discover the pleasure that literature offers," said Fashion. "As parents or guardians, you can help make this happen by reading to your children" and encouraging them to read every day.
The Read for the Win program will end with a grand finale party at 11 a.m., August 18 at the library.
For more information, contact the Groninger Library at Ft. Eustis at 878-5017.