Ria Beri ‘27
EE Editor-in-Chief
As the school year winds down and summer begins, the Trumbull Library is inviting residents of all ages to dive into books, stories, and themed activities through its annual Summer Reading Program. While the program is open to everyone—from babies to adults—this year’s events offer a special focus on engaging younger readers from birth through sixth grade.
“This year, as every year, we hope that kids will sign up, read, and have fun,” explained Kristine Oulman, Youth Services Coordinator at the Trumbull Library. “This is my first year here, so I’m trying to get more engagement from the community in the form of more kids registered. We’re promoting it through the schools and on social media.”
To encourage participation, the library has introduced weekly themed events, exciting prize opportunities, and a new partnership with Trumbull Parks & Rec. “This year we’re working with Parks and Rec for a weekly Rec & Read program,” she noted. “It will be every Thursday at noon, under the tent on the Parks & Rec field, right across the street from the library.”
In addition to fun events, the Summer Reading Program offers unique ways for every age group to get involved. Young children log minutes read aloud and complete early literacy activities to earn points, while school-age kids and teens can attend programs, write reviews, and complete challenges to earn raffle tickets and prizes. Adults complete the program by reading and reviewing six books—either online or with a paper log—for the chance to win gift cards to local restaurants. Participation is simple through the Beanstack app or the library’s website, and each group’s activities are tailored to match their reading level and interests.
The library also continues to offer its popular weekly drop-in programs for younger children. Whether through in-person storytimes or self-paced reading goals, the aim is to make literacy a joyful part of every child’s summer routine.
Reading does not just keep kids entertained; it supports their development. According to Horizon Education Centers, 62-73% of elementary students lose ground in reading abilities during the summer months. Experts note that this happens in part because the brain begins to “prune” skills that are not regularly used, so when kids stop reading, those pathways can weaken. Programs like the one offered at Trumbull Library help combat this “summer slide” by keeping kids reading consistently in fun, low-pressure ways.
“The summer slide in learning is a real issue for many kids, and Summer Reading Programs at public libraries help to lessen this,” Oulman emphasized. “Kids are encouraged to read over the summer, but they can choose whatever they want to read in whatever format they prefer—print, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, or even being read to.”
The program is completely free and open to all families in Trumbull. “We want to encourage a love of reading in all kids,” she added. “Summer Reading Programs are a great way to spark that.”
With flexible options, exciting incentives, and a welcoming environment, the Trumbull Library’s Summer Reading Program offers a meaningful way for children—and the entire community—to stay connected, engaged, and learning all summer long.
Feature Photo Courtesy: Pan Macmillan