State's libraries offer summer adventures

Public libraries throughout Idaho — including the East Bonner County Library District — are kicking off their summer reading/learning programs this month. Many will incorporate the 2024 theme of "Adventure Begins at Your Library" into their activities.

Information on summer reading programs in the East Bonner County Library District, which has branches in Sandpoint and Clark Fork, can be found on the district's website, ebonnerlibrary.org.

Information on summer reading programs in the West Bonner Library District, which has locations in Priest River and Blanchard, can be found on the district's website, westbonnerlibrary.org.

Summer reading programs are designed to help children maintain or improve the reading skills they developed during the school year so that when school resumes in the fall, they are ready to continue moving forward, Idaho Commission for Libraries officials said in a press release.

Last year, 82,422 Idaho youth participated in summer reading/learning programs at libraries throughout the state.

"Reading is fundamental for developing literacy skills. If children read for just 20 minutes a day, they are building a strong lifelong reading habit," said Jennifer Redford, youth services consultant for the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

In addition to adventures found between the pages of a book, Redford said the state's library staff make the most of out-of-school time by providing special programs and classes for children and teens so they can continue learning and exploring during the summer.

Also available from many libraries are kits, board games, puzzles, DVDs, and libraries of "things," such as cake pans, musical instruments and sports equipment.

"Summer is a great time to partake in a reading challenge, learn a new skill or make friends, and the library is the place to do all that — and much more," Redford said.