Registration for the summer reading program at Crosby Memorial Library begins Monday under this year’s theme of “Build a Better World.”

Books are the best way to build a child’s imagination, and it’s that ingenuity and creativity that the world needs to better itself.

The library has held a summer reading program and story hour for many years as a way for local children to continue learning during summer vacation.

Reading should never be a chore, and the library makes every effort to engage students in the world of reading. 

Missy Ellis, or “Miss Missy” as the children call her, brings the books, and the stores, to life.

Months ago, I had the opportunity to sit in on one of Miss Missy’s spring story hours. Slowly but surely, the students’ nerves and apprehension started to wane and their excitement became evident. By the end of the hour their energy took over the whole room.

This program is the busiest during the summer though as families search for things to do to keep childrens’ minds working.

Books can spur an interest in any area of study, from zoology to Renaissance artists or beyond to the fantastical world. Reading might not be every child’s favorite activity, but it can help children explore other facets of the world that garner their attention. Books have added benefits that an hour documentary can’t cover, not that those aren’t also entertaining.

It doesn’t really matter what a child is reading, the stories and facts will spur their imagination and cognition, in addition to developing a better understanding of language and grammar.

The free program also helps introduce students to the resources the public library has to offer. After attending a summer full of activities at the library, they may return throughout the year whenever they need a book to read for school or have a topic they want to explore.

Then, later in life, the library will always be a resource they can go back to.