KCLS Launches Summer Reading Program June 15

The King County Library System

(KCLS) Summer Reading Program, Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales, offers
hundreds of programs and activities about animals real and imaginary, from
pets, domestic and wild animals, to fanciful creatures in myth and legend.
Kids of all ages will find something to trigger their curiosity and bring
them back to the library for new books and other learning-based activities.

For individual library activity schedules or details about the KCLS
summer program, log on to http://www.kcls.org and follow the links to
Summer Reading.

The Bigger Picture: We hope you'll help by telling your readers,
listeners and viewers about the free programs and activities. Here's why
this story is important:

Summer library programs are more important than they may seem, because
the benefits of participation last a lifetime. Research has proven the
benefits of keeping kids actively engaged in reading throughout the summer.

Children who don't read during the summer months can lose up to a grade
level of reading ability. Children who do read in the summer maintain and
improve their reading skills and develop a lifelong habit of learning.

Through free, fun activities in their neighborhood libraries, kids also
invest a significant amount of time with books for the pure joy of it. The
resulting enriched reading experience teaches children to enjoy finding
books, reading and then talking and writing about them.

Children who read more become better writers. Improved comprehension,
writing style, vocabulary, spelling and grammatical skill are major
long-term benefits for kids who spend their summers reading. Today's
outstanding high school writers credit extensive summer reading as a major
factor developing their writing skills.

Even very young children benefit from library pre-reading activities
that help them develop learning skills. KCLS offers special tools to help
parents learn to read to their babies, toddlers and preschoolers, teaching
their youngsters the skills they'll need to be ready to read when they go
to school.

Families who regularly visit the library have quality time together,
and build a family tradition of reading. There's also a broader benefit to
the community from library summer reading programs. Seeing others enjoy
libraries, books and reading emphasizes the idea that we're a community
that values learning at every age.

To arrange library visits, interviews with patrons and library staff,
or learn more about the King County Library System's summer programs, call
KCLS Community Relations for assistance:

Marsha Iverson 425-369-3277

More story options

Double the fun: The King County Library System and the Burke Museum are
working together to promote summer learning activities for kids and
families. The Burke Museum's special summer exhibit features stunning
images of wild animals in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award
Winners. Kids can explore their interest in animals, wild and domestic, by
visiting the museum and then going to the library to learn more about the
animals in their favorite photos.

SOURCE King County Library System Community Relations
Web Site: http://www.kcls.org/