LEARNING
LIBRARY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS GET KIDS EXCITED TO READ
WRITTEN BY JACKIE GOLDSCHNEIDER
the rush of the reading challenge
Alot has changed since today’ s parents were kids, thanks in large part to technology. From elaborate gaming systems to endless streaming TV and handheld devices, there’ s now tons of competition for kids’ time and attention. Despite this, one thing that has remained the same over the years is that kids love to read, making libraries central and enduring institutions in our communities. And to keep kids excited about reading, most libraries offer an array of programs, including ever- popular reading challenges. The Ridgewood Public Library’ s Reading Marathon has been an annualevent for almost 30 years, typically drawing around 3,000 participants. Run by the“ Friends of the Ridgewood Library” with the village’ s pre-elementary and middleschools, kids are encouraged to submit reading logs to alibrary committee, whichentitles them to prizes as theyreach certain levels and makes them eligible for grand prizes the more they read. Thoughthe prizes are great, including free ice cream, pizza parties and Visa gift cards, the rewards aren’ t necessarily what makes this competition so popular.
“ The marathongives kids achance to set their own reading goals and attain them in avery friendly, encouraging environment,” says Ashley Loria, the library’ s children’ s department supervisor.“ It shows themthat they can do anythingthey set their minds to.” In additiontopersonal satisfaction, the challenge shows kids how fun reading can be.“ Evenwhen reluctantreaders see other kids get excited about reaching different levels, that excitement is infectious and it encouragesother children to keep going,” adds Loria.
Since reading almost any type of print countstoward their goals, including magazines, comic books or sharing a
YIORGOS GR / GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
24 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2017 |( 201) FAMILY 201magazine. com