Summer Reading Program Kicks Off At Tulsa City County Library

It's important for kids to continue reading over summer break. The Tulsa City County Library has started its annual summer reading program for kids with hopes that the kids will find a love for books.

The free reading program is open to small children, teens and even adults.

Mary Fencel stopped by the library to sign her daughter Macy up for the program.

"This isn't our first time being on the summer reading program, but it is our first time being able to read," Fencel said.

She says Macy is learning to read and is excited for her to continue improving her skills during summer break.

"I get to read and it's so much learning for me," Fencel said.

Laura Raphael, with the Tulsa City County Library, says the program is designed to keep kids engaged, while also being fun.

"For kids, it's really important for them to continue to read so they go back to school without losing their skills. We call it the summer slide, which sounds like it's fun, but it's not. We actually want kids to keep their reading up," Raphael said.

Raphael says there are incentives to keep kids motivated to finish their books. Teenagers who participate can choose six books to complete and adults can select four books. She says they have tons of fun coupons and prizes children can win such as a free ticket to the fair.

"For kids, they just need to read, or you can read to them eight books and after they complete the program, they get a medal and a book of coupons. If they read 12 more books, for a total of twenty, they get a bonus prize," Raphael said.

Fencel says making trips to the library is always fun for the entire family.

"Between us or her grandparents, it's always a really good, fun, summer activity when we need a break from the heat, or we just want to stretch our minds get away from the screen. It just gives us a wonderful outlet to engage in," Fencel said.

The program will be available until July 31st, and you can sign up at any of the 24 Tulsa City County Libraries.