Why I Love the Summer Reading Program

June 25, 2012

I really love the Summer Reading Program that MCPL offers. I’m sure you think this has to do with the fact that I’m a Library employee. Mostly, it's because I’m the storytime lady at our branch. These are definitely contributing factors. And, of course, I love my job and love seeing kids enjoy reading. The real reason I love the Summer Reading Program dates back almost 30 years ago.

As the child of divorced parents, I often spent summers with my dad. He moved to a small town when I was twelve. Small town + young pre-teen girl = nothing to do. But there was a library…within walking distance. Heaven! 

I was an avid reader from a young age and spending these summer days away from my friends and my "usual" routines with a  good book was as close to normal as I could get. I would walk to the library EVERY day of my summer visit, check out a novel, read it, and return the next day for another. Picking out a book was like a finding a friend I could talk to for the day. Earning free books was a great perk, but the draw of the books and the cool, quiet atmosphere was the biggest perk. 

I would spend my afternoons in dad’s backyard or on the front porch reading, reading, and reading. My favorite author that summer was Judy Blume. I learned a lot about life, the challenges of adolescence, and myself that summer with the help of Ms. Blume. I also learned that books can make a difference in a kids’ life. It did mine.  

Deanna R.
Riverside Branch