LEARNING
LIBRARY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS GET KIDS EXCITED TO READ
WRITTEN BY JACKIE GOLDSCHNEIDER
the rush of the reading challenge
Alot has changed since today ’ s parents were kids , thanks in large part to technology . From elaborate gaming systems to endless streaming TV and handheld devices , there ’ s now tons of competition for kids ’ time and attention . Despite this , one thing that has remained the same over the years is that kids love to read , making libraries central and enduring institutions in our communities . And to keep kids excited about reading , most libraries offer an array of programs , including ever- popular reading challenges . The Ridgewood Public Library ’ s Reading Marathon has been an annualevent for almost 30 years , typically drawing around 3,000 participants . Run by the “ Friends of the Ridgewood Library ” with the village ’ s pre-elementary and middleschools , kids are encouraged to submit reading logs to alibrary committee , whichentitles them to prizes as theyreach certain levels and makes them eligible for grand prizes the more they read . Thoughthe prizes are great , including free ice cream , pizza parties and Visa gift cards , the rewards aren ’ t necessarily what makes this competition so popular .
“ The marathongives kids achance to set their own reading goals and attain them in avery friendly , encouraging environment ,” says Ashley Loria , the library ’ s children ’ s department supervisor . “ It shows themthat they can do anythingthey set their minds to .” In additiontopersonal satisfaction , the challenge shows kids how fun reading can be . “ Evenwhen reluctantreaders see other kids get excited about reaching different levels , that excitement is infectious and it encouragesother children to keep going ,” adds Loria .
Since reading almost any type of print countstoward their goals , including magazines , comic books or sharing a
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24 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2017 | ( 201 ) FAMILY 201magazine . com