'Delicious' summer reading program continues

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Department of Defense's Morale, Welfare and Recreation division kicked off their third annual summer reading program June 4, 2012. This program lasts seven weeks, ending July 28, 2012.

Libraries across the nation, including McConnell's, host a range of free activities, with the theme of "Reading is so Delicious," for children and adults, to encourage and support a love of reading. This year's challenge to military members and their families is to surpass the 10 million minutes they read last summer.

"The purpose of our reading program is to provide a fun, high-quality reading program encouraging reading throughout the summer to help prevent the 'summer slide' and to increase their reading enjoyment," said Darla Cooper, 22nd Force Support Squadron library director. "Research has shown that children who read over the summer benefit in the following areas: reading, comprehension, writing style, vocabulary and spelling."

"We pass out goodies and prizes along the way when they turn in their reading logs as incentives," said Danielle Gordon, 22nd Force Support Squadron library aid.

All prizes for the summer reading program are provided by the DOD MWR Libraries Summer Reading Program.

At the end of the program, registered participants will turn in completed reading logs and receive a free book and prize bag.

"Last year we had 566 total sign ups which is third highest number in Sedgwick county." said Darla Cooper. "This program is open to anyone that has access to the base and there is still time to sign up."

In addition to the reading program, approximately 50 planned activities are offered. Although the summer is almost over, there are still 24 planned activities during the month of July.

These activities include building plastic robots and making star projectors.

The next family event will take place July 20, 2012 at the Robert J. Dole Community Center ballroom. Families will be entertained by the Okee Dokee Brothers, a bluegrass playing duo.

McConnell's summer reading program is funded by DOD MWR Libraries Division and the Leonard and Cecilia Levand Trust along with other local sponsors.

For more information on the summer reading program contact McConnell Air Force Base's Library at (316) 759-4207.