Librarians have depended on anecdotal evidence when speaking about the positive impact of summer reading programs.  Now Dominican University with a grant from IMLS has proven that summer reading has a very positive impact for children who participate.  Here are some of the facts from the study about students who participated in the public library summer reading program:

• Scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year.
• Had better reading skills at the end of third grade.
• Scored higher on the standards test given during third grade.
• Included more females, Caucasians, and lived at a higher socioeconomic level.
• Had more books in their homes.

So after applauding and crowing about what we have always known, here’s what we can do to improve:

• Engage families in public library programs.
• Invest more money in summer reading programs – especially in communities where families are economically depressed.
• Market and promote much better.
• Provide more books and materials.
• Work with schools to reach out specifically to students who are in need and under performing.
• Reach out to more boys.
• Help children in lower-income families build home libraries.

Check out the full report here.  I salute each and every children’s librarian out there who has such an important role in their community.  Well done!