Summer reading program registration sees record high at Newton Public Library

Summer reading has truly never been more popular in Newton than it is right now. Staff from the Newton Public Library say more than 800 kids signed up for the summer reading program in 2024, which is more than any other year in the library’s history. The program officially came to an end on July 31.

In total, 823 kids signed up for summer reading, surpassing the library’s all-time record of 781 child registrations.

Excitement for the summer reading program began during the successful kickoff party held May 30 on the library lawn. It was reported that 474 kids and 41 teens had signed up for summer reading that day. Registration continued on through the next months, allowing kids to earn special prizes for meeting reading goals.

Specifically, kids could earn charms that could be added to the silicone bracelet they received or to Croc-style shoes. Babies and toddlers earned a board book and a bottle of bubbles. Those who finished also received a ticket to the Iowa Cubs and a free child’s admission to the Blank Park Zoo, among other prizes.

Phyllis Peter, youth services librarian at the Newton Public Library, was excited to see so many kids take part in the program. She was also surprised at how popular the shoe charms turned out to be. Peter works hard every year to create an engaging program because reading over the summer is so important for kids.

“I think it’s also important to show kids and parents that reading is an enjoyable thing, as well as educational,” Peter said to Newton News. “Video games and screen time are such a huge draw for kids, so I know that I have to make summer reading engaging to keep kids coming to the library.”

The library set timed reading logs for the program this year, which challenged young readers and families to take at least 20 minutes out of their day to read. As of July 30, Peter said the submitted book logs show the children of Newton completed 193,320 minutes, or 3,222 hours, of reading this summer.

Peter is never one to shy away from emphasizing the importance of summer reading. It’s a time when they can read whatever they want and engage in books or topics they are interested in. The Newton Public Library provides kids the environment to explore those interests.

“I encourage parents to give your kids time to explore the library and grab books that might even be above their reading level, but are something they are interested in,” Peter said. “If you have a child that struggles with reading, the librarians are here to help you find something at their level.”

Studies show that children benefit in school when reading over the summer. Peter said those who don’t can be at a disadvantage when school resumes. Children in grades 3-5 can lose up to 20 percent their school year gains in reading if they do not read during the summer months.

Even reading just five books in the summer will counteract this trend, Peter said.

Peter credited the staff for making sure everyone at the library knew about the summer reading program. The Newton Public Library, she added, strives to be a partner with parents and educators in the community. Peter hoped the free activities and the motivation to read keeps families coming to the library.

“We hope the community sees what a great resource the library is, because we are definitely filling a need with free educational activities right here in town,” Peter said. “We love seeing kids walking out of the library excited about the books that they have found to read!”