Summer Reading Program for Families at the Decorah Public Library

The Decorah Public Library's 2017 Summer Reading Program, "Build a Better World," will start Thursday, June 1st. The nine week program will run until August 3rd.

Picnic and Play dates for area families have been scheduled throughout the summer at Dunnings Spring Park, the Decorah Community Prairie, Phelps Park, and the Decorah Fish Hatchery.  Special performances include the Blank Park Zoo's World for Wildlife program, Mad Science of Iowa's Construction and Demolition show, and the Grout Museum District's Creepy Crawlies and Snakes Alive demonstrations.  

Story times, STEM Fun, and crafternoons will also be part of the Summer Reading Program calendar. A Reading Mentor Program will be offered to children in kindergarten through second grades. Families may come to the Decorah Public Library and register for the Summer Reading Program after May 31st.

Children's and Youth Librarian Joan Roach says there are several reasons summer reading is important.

"Reading helps youth retain skills throughout the summer so they don't have that "summer slip," says Roach. "It's a great chance for people in the community to get together and socialize with a focus on literacy. Summer reading programs offer a chance to expose youth to books and to develop a love of reading and the library. Youth have a chance to read books based on their own interests."

To promote literacy, families will be encouraged to read together for 100 minutes per week. Families who meet reading goals will be entered into a weekly raffle for a chance to win a prize. This program is free and open to everyone. 

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach or Kristin Torresdal at the library at (563)382-3717.  

Lucas Fankhauser enjoys "Stem Fun"

Cassidy Carolan, and her little buddy, Macy Frank

Ruth Huffman and her little buddy, Garrett Henry

Dog Tales "End of School Year Summer Pawty"