The Troy Kiwanis Club has a heart for service and what better way to serve a community than to serve its youth.

On Tuesday, members of the Troy Kiwanis Club presented a check in the amount of $350 to the Troy Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.

“Our club is aware of the importance of reading at a young age and we realize the value of the Troy Public Library’s Summer Reading program for all ages,” said Ed Averett, club secretary. “Literacy is a focus of our club and we are always alert to ways that we can support our youth. Encouraging reading is certainly a way. The Troy Public Library has an outstanding summer reading program and we are proud to contribute to it.”

Teresa Colvin, TPL children and young adult director, expressed appreciation to the Troy Kiwanis Club for its continuing support of the TPL’s Summer Reading Program, specifically, and literacy throughout the community
“The Troy Pubic Library thanks the Troy Kiwanis Club for supporting our library’s programs and helping children in our community get access to books and reading opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic status,” Colvin said. “Reading opens a child’s imagination and takes them to new places.”

Colvin said summer reading programs are extremely important for young minds.

“Studies indicate that reading abilities weaken for students who don’t read, or read very little, during their summer vacation,” she said. “As students get older and advance in grades, the decline will become greater and so will the achievement gap among their peers.”

The summer decline can be avoided by allowing children to utilize their public library, Colvin said.

“Parents are encouraged to allow their children to read books they choose for themselves,” she said. “Parents set examples for their children by reading themselves and by taking turns reading with their children.”
When parents enjoy reading, that joy is transferred to the children.

“Parents and other adults can make a difference in a child’s interest in reading by reading to them,” Colvin said.

Colvin said summer reading programs could be the basis for children becoming lifelong readers.

“Even reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities offered by the library,” she said. “Programs can generate interest in the library, which can then lead to an interest in books and reading.”
Signup for the Troy Public Library’s Summer Reading Program 2018 begins, Tuesday, May 1, at the library. The theme for this year’s summer reading program is “Libraries Rock.” Programs are for children ages 4 and 5 and 6 through 11 and young adults ages 12-18.