Williamson County Library System is enjoying an amazing 2023 summer reading program and events. The program encouraged community members of all ages to come together to celebrate reading and learning.
Throughout the summer, libraries hosted events during June and July that included author visits, community helper talks, crafts, musical performances, and special story time sessions. Dates and times are in our events brochure for the finales.
In addition to fun events, the summer reading program encourages everyone to read and track their progress. Participants can earn prizes and awards for reaching their reading goals, making this program both fun and rewarding.
Participants have been tracking their reading minutes online via Beanstack and can see their progress plus prizes earned. Learn more at the library's summer reading website then visit your local Library to claim your prizes.
We hope you have enjoyed joining your local library for a summer of reading, learning, and community. Remember to log all your reading minutes by the end of the day on August 5 and then to stop by your local Library to get the prizes that you have earned by August 19.
As school starts on August 4 we are aware of studies since 1996 showing how students can lose ground in their math and reading skills during summer break. One study of third to fifth graders showed an average loss of approximately 20 percent of reading skills and 27 percent of math skills over the summer break. This loss is called the summer slide. It is recommended that youth need to read at least six books over the summer to maintain and improve their literacy skills. Proximity to and usage of a public library with summer reading activities also has a beneficial effect on retention. The Williamson County Public Library and Foundation appreciate the opportunity to assist our County's preschoolers in learning to read and building their early literacy skill sets, plus to help older youth retain their skills so they can achieve their full potential come the new school year. We wish you all the best of luck in the new school year and know that everyone will do their best to do well. Remember to log all your reading miniutes stop by your local Library to get the prizes that you have earned by August 19.
The Williamson County Public Library Foundation funds the summer reading program. Supplemental reading goal prizes from local businesses across Williamson County help encourage community families to keep reading all summer long. Each branch of the county library system is also assisted by their individual Friends of the Library groups in providing support for this initiative. Our appreciation of these organizations and businesses for their coming "All Together Now" for our library users is immeasurable.
The Williamson County Public Library System’s Main Library is located in downtown Franklin at 1314 Columbia Avenue. Branches are located in Fairview, Bethesda, College Grove, Nolensville, and Leiper’s Fork. For more information about library programs or services, visit our website or call 615-595-1243. Sign up to receive library events and announcements via email. The library can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter via @wcpltn.