As you prepare for summer with your family, don’t forget about the easiest activity your children can do to help combat summer learning loss: read! 
 
Madison Public Library’s summer reading clubs begin June 2 and end August 30.  Beginning June 2 and throughout the summer, children may register one of two ways: visit a local Madison Public Library location and fill out a registration card, or sign up online at http://reading.madisonpubliclibrary.org.
 
Students can lose more than two months of reading achievement over summer vacation. Madison Public Library’s Summer Reading Clubs for children and teens are free city-wide programs that encourage children and teens to “fill in the blanks” by pursuing their individual reading choices and interests and earning prizes for books read. By continuing to read over the summer, children maintain their reading skills and return to school ready to learn in September.
 
This year’s children’s summer reading club theme is Fizz, Boom, Read! which includes a focus on science-themed learning.  Funding and programming for the children’s 2014 Summer Reading Program is provided by the NASA Astrobiology Institute and the UW Geology Museum. 
 
In addition to the many classes and events happening in Madison’s nine public libraries this summer, the library is also hosting two free, city-wide events celebrating the reading accomplishments of children in Madison:

Summer Library Carnival, Wednesday, July 23, 10:30 am – 1 pm
Overture Center for the Arts and Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.
Enjoy a performance by The Zinghoppers at 10:30 am at Overture Center for the Arts, then walk next door to the Central Library for carnival games, crafts, Read Up! activities with Madison Metropolitan School District, and more.
 
Fizz, Boom, Read! Concert & Picnic, Tuesday, August 5, 6-8 pm
Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.
Pack a picnic supper and head to the Gardens! Arrive at 6 pm for bubble play, butterfly projects, and Read Up! activities with Madison Metropolitan School District. The family concert with Ken Lonnquist and the Kenland Band begins at 7 pm.

And the clubs aren’t just for kids.  You can make summer learning a family activity by enrolling the whole family in the library’s summer reading clubs. The teen club involves teens by reading, exploring technology, and volunteering, and is only available online. The adult club offers prize drawings for books read and is available online or in local libraries. Learn more or register your family at reading.madisonpubliclibrary.org or your local public library beginning June 2.
 

About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 137 years.  Our nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days per week and welcome over 2.35 million visits each year.
 
About UW-Madison Geology Museum
The UW Geology Museum is a vibrant science outreach facility on the UW-Madison campus welcoming 50,000 visitors annually. Founded in 1848, the museum is home to rock, mineral and fossils from around the world.
 
About NASA Astrobiology Institute
As part of a concerted effort to address this challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) established the NASA Astrobiology Institute in 1998 as an innovative way to develop the field of astrobiology and provide a scientific framework for flight missions. NAI is a virtual, distributed organization of competitively-selected teams that integrate astrobiology research and training programs in concert with the national and international science communities.