Carson City Library summer program surpasses reading goal with over 560K minutes read
During the Carson City Library’s 2022 Summer Learning Challenge, over 560,000 total minutes were read by participants. This is the equivalent of over 9,300 hours.
The goal for this year’s challenge was 400,000 total minutes read, which was far surpassed.
The combined total adult and children participants in this year’s challenge was 355.
The theme of this year’s summer reading challenge was “Oceans of Possibilities,” which ran from June 11 through Aug. 6.
During the kick-off party, participants were able to interact with a gigantic animatronic squid, explore a virtual aquarium, engage in water play, and more.
When it comes to learning retention throughout the summer, reading and continued education is vital.
“The purpose of the Summer Learning Challenge is to provide an opportunity for children and adults in the Carson City community to effectively maintain their learning and expand their social involvement in an interactive way,” said a spokesperson for the Carson City Library. “Continued reading throughout the summer is especially important for children as it reduces potential learning loss by keeping them actively engaged while expanding their understanding of language and supporting increased vocabulary development.”
While learning is its own reward, the library also provided 13 grand prizes to participants. In addition, 35 percent of participants completed the program and received a completion prize bag.
The first place grand prizes per age group are as follows:
0-5 years old: a Talking Telescope and Poppin Pipes toy
6-11 years old: Magna Tiles toy and Kinetic Sand Treasure Hunt playset
12-17 years old: an Underwater Camera and $10 Dutch Brothers gift card
18+ years old: $100 Barnes & Noble gift card
“Our reading program helps youth to maintain and grow their learning though an interactive program that’s fun,” said the spokesperson. “It demonstrates that a library isn’t just a building with bookshelves but can become a place of growth and encouragement as well as support long-term educational success.”
The theme for next summer’s learning challenge has not yet been announced, but check back often with the Carson City Library for updates, as well as other challenges and activities throughout the year.