by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
5/29/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Summer is just around the corner and it won't be long before the kids get bored. Head them off at the pass with adventures and activities hosted by your local library.
Air Force libraries have launched the summer reading program, "Have Book - Will Travel!" and are planning a host of activities for children, teens and adults designed to encourage the love of reading. Program participants can also win prizes for reaching their reading goals, said Margie Buchanan, the Air Force Personnel Center libraries branch chief.
"Reading is a critical skill for children and adults alike," Buchanan said. "Successful careers and lives depend on strong reading and comprehension skills, so we're committed to helping people learn to love reading early, and supporting their love of reading throughout their lives."
Base libraries throughout the Department of Defense will sponsor special events and themes. All participants will establish reading goals for the program and those who meet their goals will be eligible for special prizes, Buchanan said.
The annual summer reading program is more than just fun, though. Research shows that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.
"Studies indicate students who read recreationally out-perform those who don't. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests," Buchanan said. "Our libraries are committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all our families."
Registration is underway at more than 250 DOD libraries. Interested readers can go to their base library for more information, or visit http://ila.org/dodsumread. Those who are not near an installation can email dodsumread@navy.mil for participation information.
For more information about other library programs and quality of life initiatives, visit the AFPC Services website at https://www.usafservices.com.
Comments
6/14/2013 2:22:35 AM ET Would be a great idea except that as others have noted AF shut down libraries at bases all over due to budget woes. Fortunately the Air Force Digital Media program has e-books available via Kindle and other e-readers -- my kids are using Kindles this summer to read books from the AF digital library. This also works great when deployed. I wish the digital selection was better though.
Lt Col T, Kabul Afghanistan
6/6/2013 10:34:54 AM ET This is such a wonderful DoD program especially for youth as the prizes keep my kids wanting to read all summer while iterating the importance of setting and reaching goals. Truly grateful that Shaw leaders were able to consolidate FSS functions into the library facility and keep it open. Disappointed to hear about other base library closures and sad that QoL issues continue to suffer at the hands of sequestration.
A Dad, SAFB
5/30/2013 11:17:57 AM ET Offutt's library closes the end of June.
Offutt Library user, Offutt AFB
5/30/2013 10:30:21 AM ET Ditto at WPAFB it's now called an Information Learning Center and only has professional reading material. I used to check books out all the time for leisure reading. I'm sad.
LG, WPAFB
5/30/2013 8:49:45 AM ET Won't be happening at Eglin library was shut down last month.
