Peninsula Public Library kicks off summer reading program

Formulating a chemical reaction of “fizz, boom, read” they hope leads to more reading, Peninsula Public Library kicked off registration of its annual summer program with a four-hour sign up event on June 13.
For more than 20 years, the library on Central Avenue in Lawrence has sought to keep kids reading through the months they are off from school. “The biggest benefit is to prevent the good ole summer slide,” said Children’s librarian Carolynn Matulewicz. “Children who do not read over the summer lose so much and it takes four to six weeks back at school to get them back to where they were in June.”
Matulewicz said that 300 children sign up and about half complete the program that includes pre-kindergarten children up to eighth grade. Top readers in their levels and those who reach Level 3 for their grade category are eligible for prizes for reading a specified amount of pages.
The program also includes activities and events throughout the summer and an end of season party. Library officials make presentations in the Lawrence School District and the local private schools to generate interest in the program.
Cedarhurst resident Sarah Katz signed up her two children, who are headed to fifth and second grade. “I think it is very important to continue their education when they are not in school,” she said in explaining why her kids will be involved in the reading program.
JJ Rabinowitz, 9, was already to get started as he entered the kick off party with “The Missing Marlin” by David A. Kelly part of the Baseball Mysteries series for young readers. “I like baseball,” Rabinowitz said about choosing the book.
He didn’t know how many books he will read, but his favorite team is the Yankees and his favorite ballplayer is Derek Jeter. Reading a newspaper’s sports pages is also a great beginning to a lifetime of reading.