Library reading program offers instant, long-term rewards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Summertime fun may lead to educational laziness or it can be a rewarding experience for children if enrolled in the library's summer reading program.
 
Overstreet Memorial Library's free program, "Voyage to Book Island," begins June 22, running through Aug. 31, and provides incentives for children to read.

Children, 5 to 18 years old, who register can earn prizes based on the number of books they read, said Harumi Fujimori, a reference librarian. The number of books a child reads for each prize will vary among the age level of the reader, she added. This allows for a fair system so readers can meet goals based on their suggestive level of academic literacy.

In addition to a reward system, readers will be recognized by their respective schools at the start of the next academic season. The schools also directly contributed to the library's annual program, which for the first time, is driven by the Department of Defense throughout more than 250 service and installation libraries.

"[Misawa] Department of Defense Dependents Schools had their professional educators identify and recommend quality reading material by grade level for the library's summer reading list," said Faye Jenkins, school liaison officer. "This coordinated effort between the teachers and the library staff ensures the students will have exceptional reading material."

With appropriate reading-level material easily accessible to base children, they can keep their minds engaged throughout the summer, said Mrs. Jenkins. "Reading is directly linked to learning in all areas, she added. "It broadens one's knowledge of various subjects, builds vocabulary and improves spelling and writing skills."

The library staff has ordered about 600 more books for their inventory, further adding to the material on the reading list.

They received $10,000 from the DOD Military Family and Community Policy office for the cost of books, and $9,000 for promotional material and prizes. Additional funding for reading material was identified by Col. RC Craig, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, that included $2,500 from the base's contributions to the Air Force Assistance Fund.

With many new shelved books on the list to choose from, educational professionals here said the program further improves a wholesome, life-enriching activity that benefits students well beyond their adolescent school years.

"Exposure to reading impacts all we do," said Scott Sterry, Cummings Elementary School principle. "It helps with recreational activities, social life and is a life skill that enhances performance of pre-vocational and career activities."

Enrollment will still be available for children after the program begins. Those who change their duty station during the summer may pick-up the program at their next installation's library.

Summer reading is a great time to broaden a child's exposure to different genres' of literature, areas of interest and authors, said Mr. Sterry. It creates its own adventures and excitement in the imagination of a child, inspired by the words on each page, he added.

To register a child or teen in the library's summer reading library, call 226-3068.