Houston County Public Library System looks to motivate students to read this summer with Vacation Reading Program

HOUSTON COUNTY — The Houston County Public Library System is kicking off summer break with its Vacation Reading Program. 

Director of the Houston County Public Library System, Sara Paulk, said this program is offered for children aged 18 and under and helps them maintain their reading skills during the summer break, which ends in mid-July. 

“Studies have shown that kids who do not read during the summer suffer what they call a ‘summer slide’, and they actually regress and are less prepared to begin the new school year,” she said. “If they attend public library programs like the Vacation Reading Program, they are more prepared for the school year.”

Paulk described the program as tons of fun, as it offers a variety of literacy-based programs. The program has also been well-received by the community. Paulk said they have over 4,000 kids attend the Vacation Reading Program. 

One major program Paulk wants to highlight begins on Monday, June 9, featuring magician Ken Scott, who will perform at all three locations in the Houston County Public Library System. 

“He’s a professional magician who has performed around the world, and he’ll be coming to perform, talk about books and to encourage children to read,” she said. 

One thing the program also offers is incentives. Paulk said local sponsors and local businesses provide these incentives. 

“The [incentives] could be a variety of things like a milkshake from Zaxby’s, a free cookie or a free bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. [Incentives] vary from branch to branch,” she said. “We’re open, we try to be welcoming and we just encourage folks to come whenever they can to any of the three branches.” 

According to Paulk, the Vacation Reading Program aims to promote literacy, reading, and fun. 

“Reading is fun and the parents can say whether they are keeping up with their reading skills, so there’s a serious purpose behind it,” she said. 

Overall, the Houston County Public Library System aims to help children improve their reading levels. Paulk said they have programs throughout the year for toddlers, and during the summer, their programs are more catered to school-age children. 

“The library is for everyone, and we just want to emphasize that. It’s a great place no matter what your age,” she said. 

The calendar of events in the Vacation Reading Program for all three branches of the Houston County Public Library System can be found at  houpl.org/programs___eves/children_s_calendar.php