Summer reading program underway at Travis

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 3rd Class Malcolm Kelley
  • U.S. Navy VQ-3 Detachment

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Mitchell Memorial Library at Travis Air Force Base, California, kicked off its annual summer reading program June 10 with a splash as volunteers provided a variety of activities including a dunk tank, arts and crafts and a presentation about the solar system.

The goal of the program is to combat summer reading loss as numerous studies show that, on average, children lose up to two months of educational development and reading comprehension over their summer break. While the program is targeted toward school-aged children, it is open to adults as well. Participants who log 60 minutes of reading each week can earn prizes. The person who logs the most minutes will also receive a prize.

Willa Dozer, the summer reading program coordinator, said she hopes people participate in the program.

“In the first year of the program, we had over 400 people participate, but last year, we only had about half that number,” she said. “We hope to increase those numbers this year by offering activities to kids, while sticking to our science theme. The library will host a variety of events during the program to promote reading and learning. Getting people more invested in science and learning is an invaluable investment for the families at Travis.”   

One mother said she appreciates the library offering the reading program.

“It’s a great program for getting kids to read more,” said Christina, a mother of two who registered for the program at the kickoff event. “It’s not only a fantastic opportunity for children to maintain and improve their reading skills and learn new things, it is also a great opportunity for adults to make new friends, something that can be challenging to do when you are a busy parent.”

The library has more than enough content to keep adults and children alike entertained, she added. The program also offers parents a unique opportunity to learn alongside their children, which can create memorable and enriching experiences.

The summer reading program ends Aug. 10. People can sign up for the program by visiting the library located at 510 Travis Avenue Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For more information, call the library at 707-424-3279.