EDUCATION
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Here are just a few of the exciting programs for all ages . Check the website at FCPL . org for branch locations , dates and hours .
• Nighttime on the Deck — Creatures of the Night — Nocturnal Animals
• Get Fit , Get Active , with Science Featuring Flumpa the Frog
• Technology iAcademy
• K-9 Search and Rescue : Hug-a-Tree
• Let ’ s Get Healthy : Nutrition for Teens
• Geocaching 201 for Adults
Summer is here , which means pool time , picnics and a Summer Challenge from the Frederick County Public Libraries . The library system ’ s summer reading program , with the theme Get in the Game , is under way at all eight branches .
Summer Challenge is FCPL ’ s biggest annual event , serving 10,000 Frederick County residents each year . There are fun and imaginative programs for all ages including kids , teens and adults . Track summer reading , earn badges and compete for prizes , while brushing up on reading and math skills .
“ It ’ s so important for our children and teens to keep up with their reading during the summer so that their brain stays active ,” said Janet Vogel , youth services coordinator for FCPL . “ The average summer learning loss is one month per year in both math and reading . And , it ’ s cumulative , meaning that kids will be that much more behind the curve when they return to school in the fall , not to mention continuing that struggle to keep up in high school and college . Multiple studies have shown that participation in summer reading programs prevents summer learning loss .”
A recent Johns Hopkins University study found a two-thirds achievement gap for a select group of Baltimore ninth graders , some of whom joined in summer reading programs , and some of whom did not . Those that didn ’ t suffered summer learning loss during their elementary school years .
“ The library ’ s Summer Challenge is a great opportunity to combine academics with enrichment activities ,” Vogel said .
FCPL has recruited a number of Community Sidekicks to lead unique programs , and sponsors are offering rafting trips , amusement park passes , museum tickets and more as prizes . Finishers — those who complete their reading challenge — are eligible for even bigger prizes , providing them incentive to stay focused , while having fun .
FCPL ’ s summer reading program has been in place for decades , growing exponentially over the years . It is dedicated to providing quality activities and events for Frederick County residents . The library staff spends the entire year planning for summer reading , continually recruiting new community partners and sponsors .
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
1 . Visit your local library branch to sign up
2 . Visit fcpl . org / summer and click on “ Summer Reading Challenge login ,” which takes you to Beanstack
3 . Once there , click “ Register .” Parents and guardians may register first and add children to that account , keeping all account information in the same place to keep track of activities and reading logs .
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