Successful Summer Reading Program

The Muskingum County Library System is celebrating a record-breaking year for its summer reading program.

Assistant Director Blair Tom said more than 2,900 children read about 99,000 books.  He credits the success to the partnerships the library has developed over the years.

"We also think focusing, communicating and listening to the community about outcomes and what adds value to the community and to young people and their opportunities moving forward," said Tom.

Tom said kids can lose up to one grade level if they don’t read during the summer months.  He said reading is an important skill for all children to master regardless of their future endeavors.

"When they return to school in September, they’re at a disadvantage, they’re not ready to learn and there’s a lot of time lost and invested in getting back to where they ended the previous school year," said Tom.  "This is something that we can do to help them return to school ready to get right back to the books."

Storytime registration opens in early September for kids under five years old.