Library kicks off Summer Reading Program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  It's summertime, and now that children are out of school, the Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Library kicked off its Summer Reading Program June 10.

The program, which runs until July 26, is aimed at children 3 to 17 years old.

"The Summer Reading Program is a means by which we can continue the children's interest in reading," said Jess Echord, 23d Force Support Squadron library director. "It's during a time that children are not attending school, and we don't want them to lose interest in reading. This provides an opportunity for children, especially young children, to get familiar with books, get interested in books and like books."

Echord stressed the importance of reading not only for school but for later in life as well.

"Well, it's going to serve as a platform for the later grades that they're going to be advancing in through school," he said. "To be more literate is to be more of a participant in the day-to-day activities, whether it be in school or just being able to read directions. It provides a broadening, more in-depth ability to understand and communicate."

In addition to the Summer Reading Program, the library hosts storytime every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for younger children. Although storytime is hosted all year, it is tailored to work with the Summer Reading Program.

Billie-Anne Bradshaw, spouse of Staff Sgt. Henry Bradshaw, took her children to participate in storytime and agreed with Echord on the importance of reading for children of all ages.

"I signed up to encourage my children's love of books," she said. "They love books, reading, learning the stories and talking about them."

"It helps build their imagination, and helps them expand their vocabulary," she added. "We read every night at bedtime, and I try to read one book with them during the day."

Echord said that it comes down to creating and nurturing an interest in book, reading and learning in children. He said it doesn't matter what they read as long as they pick up a book.

"I think one thing that should be understood in regards to library materials is that whether it's fiction or nonfiction, they all lend themselves to education."

On average about 250 to 300 children participate in the Summer Reading Program, most of which are younger children. He encourages everyone, especially 12 to 17 year olds to pick up a book.

"We would like really like to see more young adults participate," said Echord. "I think one of the drawbacks is that it's not cool. They're out of school and they'd rather just do something on their own like go to the beach, be with a friend or hangout somewhere. Well, a good place to hang out is the library, and there's nothing that's uncool about a library."

In addition to storytime and the Summer Reading Program, the library sets up themes based on current events like author's birthdays or historic anniversaries.

For more information or to contact the library, call 229-257-3539.