Summer reading program beginning soon

The Irene Ingle Public Library is gearing up for their annual summer reading program once again. The program has been running for over 20 years, according to Library Director Margaret Villarma. She said it is designed to hone kids' reading comprehension even when they are not in school.

"It's important for them to do the reading program because if they don't read over the summer they lose some of what they learned the previous school year," she said. "They call that 'summer backslide,' I think that's how they refer to it. You want them to go back into school the same level they left at, not go backwards."

The rules of the summer reading program are fairly straightforward. Any child from kindergarten to ninth grade can sign up. Beginning on June 1, they can check out a book that is at their reading level or above. After reading the book, they return it and take a comprehension test on one of the library's computers. Upon passing the comprehension test, they are awarded points based on the book's reading level. These points translate into coupons that they can drop into various jars for the final prize drawing at the end of the program, on July 31.

The program always has some exciting prizes available, Villarma said, ranging from small toys to bicycles, drones, and tablets. There are also cash prizes that the kids can win. These prizes are often donated by community members and local businesses. Villarma said that the summer reading program has always enjoyed wide support around town, but this year she said the library has received more donations than usual. This is thanks, in part, to Mary Ann Phillips. Phillips was a longtime Wrangell resident, and member of the Friends of the Irene Ingle Public Library, who passed away last February. In her obituary it was requested that friends of Phillips donate to the summer reading program, in lieu of flowers.

"We did get a lot extra donations this year in memory of Ann Phillips," Villarma said. "We're grateful for that."

The program is very popular amongst Wrangell's kids, as well as the grownups. Last year, Villarma said that they had 134 kids compete in the reading program. They are expecting a similarly enthusiastic turnout this year. The library is located on Second Street, across from the post office. For questions or to register, call (907) 874-3535.

"It's a fun program for the kids," she said. "I think they enjoy it, they look forward to it."