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  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Zeski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 2013 Summer Reading Program has begun with the free program running from June 2 until Aug. 30. All ages are welcome, and prizes are available the more you read.

The Fairchild library is one of 200 base and installation libraries participating in the shared summer reading program.

Participants can register at the base library any time during the event. More than 50 children registered on the first day, the first 50 adults to turn in a ticket will receive a free book light. A ticket is given to the reader when they check out a book from the library and returned when the book is finished.

"Any amount of children participating is a success," said Lisa Love, 92nd Force Support Squadron library director.

Participants are awarded by amount read and age group. Children up to age 12 receive a prize for every two hours spent reading. Young adults from 13 to 18 years of age must complete six hours and adults 19 years and older receive a prize for each book they finish.

Previous research shows that students score lower on tests at the end of the summer than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer. It's also proven that students who read recreationally out-performed those who do not. Summer Reading Programs can help offset this loss.

"The summer reading programs help keep children actively reading in the summer, and more reading can help them when they return to school after the summer break," said Love.

Events taking place during the summer reading program are:
  • Flat Knight - June 2 until Aug. 30. Pick up a flat knight from the library, take pictures with the knight then post them to the Fairchild Air Force Base Force Support Squadron Facebook  page.
  • Get Creative! - June 18 and July 16 at 1 p.m. Families are invited to make crafts.
  • Create your Own Book Cover - July 23 at 2 p.m. for preteens and teens.
  • End of Summer Reading Book a Trip Party - Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. An end of summer party with games, prizes, crafts and snacks.

Top readers in each age group will have a chance to win a gift card, book on CD or a Google tablet.

"We're here to support the Fairchild family any way we can," Love said. "We think this program is a great way to do that."