Kids get a jumpstart on summer reading

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DENVER - Kids from the metro area got a head start on their summer reading Tuesday morning.

Thirty second graders from Fairview Elementary School were on hand to kick start the public library's summer reading programs and to welcome the new children's reading corner in the lobby of the Richard T. Castro Human Services Center.

Deputy Manager of Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS), Carmen Carillo said the new reading area is an opportunity for children and clients of DDHS to interact.

"DDHS values the importance of reading aloud to children, and this reading corner provides a place for our clients to read with their children while they are in our lobby," said Carillo. "This event today also marks the start of summer reading programs at public libraries across the state."

During the summer months, libraries across the state sponsor free reading programs with certificates and awards for achievement.

According to Bonnie McCune, library community programs consultant with the Colorado State Library, when children participate in summer reading programs they maintain and improve their skills, she said.

"Those who do not read are at risk for summer set-back, during which their reading skills decline," McCune.