Watch CBS News

Summer Reading Club Kicks Off In Baltimore Co.

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- As students head into summer, the Baltimore County Public Library wants to make sure they don't lose what they learned during the school year.

Tracey Leong explains how a summer reading club aims to help.

The theme of this year's summer reading club is "Every Hero Has a Story," encouraging kids to use their power of reading while they're off from school and motivating kids to put their reading skills to use.

"What we're trying to focus and let kids know they really all need super brains and one way to achieve that is by reading," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kaminetz. "Reading shouldn't just stop at school; it really has to be a year-long activity."

Kids have the freedom to read whatever they love and choose books that spark their curiosity and imagination.

"The theme of summer reading is `Every Hero Has a Story' so they can read about superheroes, other heroes in history that they wanted to know more information about or heroes in their community," said Baltimore County Public Library Director Paula Miller.

Keeping kids' minds active even after they leave the classroom.

"We want to make sure they are continuing to learn throughout the summer. We recognize kids that are learning and reading over the summer, when they get back to the next grade level in August, they are more prepared," said BCPS School Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance.

Last year, more than 52,000 kids participated in the program. This year, the goal is to exceed 60,000. Even if they're just picking up five books this summer, every page counts.

"Typically, they will either stay at the same grade level or go up a third of a grade level," Miller said.

This eight week reading program runs from now until August. If you want more information on how to get involved with the summer reading program, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.