Now that students are back in school after summer break, some families may be finding the readjustment more difficult than others. During the 12 weeks without formal education, a number of children may not have touched a book at all, but summer reading programs offered by the local public libraries gave kids the opportunity to read towards a goal and earn prizes. Perks of aiding in the sharpening of little minds.

Many programs at public libraries are aimed at engaging young people, drawing families in for activities that lead to educational opportunities. As American schoolchildren are still suffering from some learning loss that developed when schools closed in 2020, efforts to reduce further decline — like the long-dreaded “summer slide” — seem particularly important.

In 2025, the State of Michigan stepped on board with a program from the Collaborative Summer Library Program, whose theme for this year was “Color Our World.”

At the Escanaba Public Library, a kids’ program challenged youngsters to read 10 books between June 16 and Aug. 4.

A bulletin board at the Escanaba Public Library displays the names of children who participated in the "Color Our World" summer reading program. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Library Director Carolyn Stacey said that most kids turned in logs with 10 to 15 books, but that “a few enthusiastic readers submitted an extra sheet listing 20-plus books.”

Those who met the objective earned a $10 gift certificate to Canterbury Book Store, a prize offered by the Friends of the Library in partnership with Canterbury.

“We think it’s an especially nice incentive, as it keeps the focus on reading and gives kids the special experience of going to a bookstore with their parents or caregivers to pick out their own book to keep,” Stacey said. “Kids could also earn an ice cream coupon from Jim’s Dari-Kreme for writing about their favorite author and drawing a favorite scene from a book. We love to see the creativity that these extras elicit.”

Teens in the Escanaba library’s reading program had a different goal — they were asked to read one book per week. Each participant who did so earned a free movie ticket to the Willow Creek Cinema. The additional incentive for teens who wrote reviews was a drawing to win a wristband for the Upper Peninsula State Fair, another prize sponsored by Friends of the Library.

At the Gladstone Public Library, the “Color Our World” reading program took place with a different format. From June 2 through July 3, kids from age 2 to 12th grade earned a ticket for each hour spent reading that they were then able to deposit into a bucket for raffle-style prize drawings.

The Escanaba Public Library at 410 Ludington St. is shown. The building is connected to City Hall and is currently accessible from First Avenue North because of construction on the main street. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

The Gladstone Public Library reported that 285 children and 89 young adults signed up for the 2025 summer reading program. They had publicized the program in the news, on social media and sent fliers home to all Gladstone and Rapid River elementary students.

Organizers called the program “very successful” and said that Gladstone readers collectively logged 4,123 hours of reading during the month-long program.

In Escanaba, Stacey said participation was up just slightly from last year but up 12% from 2023.

Studies suggest that when students read in the summertime, they experience less of the skill loss that can occur after extended periods away from school.

“It’s important for children to read throughout the summer to stay on top of the literacy skills they have developed during the school year and avoid the ‘summer slide,’ or the learning loss that can occur during summer break,” Stacey said. “Keeping a consistent reading habit through the summer helps students enter school ready to learn in the fall.”

Some of the attractions of recreational reading aren’t limited to summer and can absolutely continue now that autumn approaches. Stacey pointed out that reading together can be “a great family activity that can provide a meaningful alternative to too much screen time during the longer days. Plus, it’s a relaxing escape from worries or stress.”

Public libraries offer an accessible resource to communities. Book-borrowing is free, and other activities also engage families and individuals in ways that educate, stimulate and entertain. At the Escanaba Public Library, the Friends of the Library will host a back-to-school open house Sept. 6, and there are many regularly-scheduled periods throughout the year dedicated to technology assistance, a writer’s workshop, LEGO club and more.

“As with all of the programs that the library offers, the intent is to connect people through information, ideas and opportunities – to inspire lifelong enrichment and enjoyment. It’s our mission,” Stacey said.

Patrons can visit the Escanaba Public Library between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The Gladstone Public Library is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday.