"Super Reader" Program works to keep kids reading all summer

MILWAUKEE -- A program that encourages Milwaukee students to keep up with their summer reading in order to retain what they've learned during the year continues. The Super Reader Program works to get kids excited about reading and learning through books.

"We're trying to make sure that kids are reading this summer. We want to make sure that when kids go home, they have a house that 's literacy-enriched," Darrell Finch with the Milwaukee Housing Authority said.

"The reason it's 'Super Reader' is because we want kids to be really excited about reading over the summer, and we want them to attack it, like a Super Reader!" Kelly Hughbanks, the coordinator of youth services with the Milwaukee Public Library said.

The Milwaukee Public Library partnered with the Housing Authority of Milwaukee to challenge all Milwaukee neighborhoods to become "Super Reader neighborhoods."

Officials say kids who don't read over the summer can experience "brain drain," losing reading skills they developed during the school year.

"Part of the 'Super Reader Program' is an evil 'Dr. Brain Drain' that they have to read, to defeat," Hughbanks said.

Officials encourage kids to read for at least 15 minutes every day, and kids can read whatever they choose. Kids are asked to read for at least 24 hours by summer's end, and incentives are provided along the way.

Reading earns "Super Readers" up to age 12 a "Super Reader" sign, and a chance to be better-prepared for the start of school in the fall!

Officials hope to have 20,000 "Super Readers" registered at Milwaukee Public Library by summer's end.

CLICK HERE for more information on the "Super Readers Program."

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