PLATTSBURGH — Books called to Grace Rascoe and her great-granddaughter, Alexis Brown, as they wandered through the aisles of Plattsburgh Public Library.
Rascoe took Alexis's mother to the library and all her grandchildren.
"I want to get her started in reading," Rascoe said of Alexis, who plucked books from the shelves with a wide-eyed grin. "I expect this little one to be a future leader."
The pair left to select more reading material, with Brown chirping, "I like to read books," as the annual kickoff of "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" began.
STATE INITIATIVE
The New York State Library recently teamed with more than 1,100 public libraries and neighborhood branches statewide to announce the 2011 summer reading programs, with lawmakers and statewide officials visiting Plattsburgh Public Library for the occasion.
The programs provide area youths with access to the resources of public libraries to support their summer reading.
Young people can get reading lists and participate in activities at their local libraries.
POPULAR PROGRAM
More than 209 area youths participated in the program at Plattsburgh Public Library last year, reading more than 1,100 books. At least 129 have signed up this year so far.
Featured weekly performers on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. include storyteller Karen Pillsworth, Hampstead Stage Company, local author Kate Messner, Mr. Beau (clown) and singer/storyteller Dave Ruch.
"The library is a very important part of the community, and what is in it is very important to the community," said Plattsburgh City Mayor Donald Kasprzak.
Roughly 1.5 million young people statewide participated in last year's summer reading programs, according to the New York State Education Department.
LOST SKILL
An overwhelming amount of research indicates that a student can lose up to one month of learning over the summer, with disadvantaged students impacted more. Summer reading is a vital component to combatting this "summer slide."
Literacy, just like sports, is a skill, said Jay Lebrun, assistant superintendent for business at Plattsburgh City School. When it is not used, it stagnates and is lost.
Lebrun suggested that 10 months of wonderful progression not be followed by two months of stagnation and regression.
SUMMER THEME
The state's annual summer efforts bring children and their families into local public libraries for books and activities. Public libraries partner with schools and local organizations to help promote and create the program.
Children are encouraged to discuss and write about the books they read.
This year's theme is "One World, Many Stories."
The program at Plattsburgh Public Library is for children ages 3 to 11. Signup is still under way.
BUILDING MEMORIES
Assemblywoman Janet Duprey's son recently told her his greatest memories are of his grandfather, her dad, reading to him.
"Encouraging children to read is valuable to them."
Tony Moran and his four children were among the first to take advantage of the programs this year.
"Summer reading keeps them focused," he said of his children, who attend Seton schools in Plattsburgh.
"Books are very interesting," said his son Schuyler. "They have a lot of action."
"They keep my mind and imagination going," said his son Dominic.
Email Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
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