Library hosts virtual summer reading program

By Emily JenningsJuly 16, 2020

WIESBADEN, Germany – An inflatable dinosaur grabs the attention of passers by the Wiesbaden Library as it hangs its head out the window July 14, 2020 (U.S. Army Photo by Emily Jennings).
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WIESBADEN, Germany – An inflatable dinosaur grabs the attention of passers by the Wiesbaden Library as it hangs its head out the window July 14, 2020 (U.S. Army Photo by Emily Jennings). (Photo Credit: Emily Jennings) VIEW ORIGINAL
WIESBADEN, Germany - Prizes for the Wiesbaden Library’s virtual summer reading program are placed atop book shelves. Library patrons can sign up at wiesbaden.armymwr.com and complete challenges and log minutes of reading to earn virtual tickets...
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WIESBADEN, Germany - Prizes for the Wiesbaden Library’s virtual summer reading program are placed atop book shelves. Library patrons can sign up at wiesbaden.armymwr.com and complete challenges and log minutes of reading to earn virtual tickets they can enter to win the prizes. (U.S. Army Photo by Emily Jennings) (Photo Credit: Emily Jennings) VIEW ORIGINAL
WIESBADEN, Germany – Painted rocks sit outside the Wiesbaden Library July 14, 2020. The rocks are part of a challenge in the virtual summer reading program where families can paint rocks and hide them around the community for others to find....
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WIESBADEN, Germany – Painted rocks sit outside the Wiesbaden Library July 14, 2020. The rocks are part of a challenge in the virtual summer reading program where families can paint rocks and hide them around the community for others to find. (U.S. Army Photo by Emily Jennings). (Photo Credit: Emily Jennings) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Library is keeping kids’ reading skills strong with its virtual summer reading program.

The program, themed “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover,” is already under way and runs through Aug. 16. Participants can still join if they have not yet done so.

In years past, the library hosted weekly gatherings to read stories, do activities and make projects. This year’s program is more self-directed, said Library Director JoAnn Ogreenc.

“The focus continues to be reading,” she said. “The whole point of why libraries do summer reading programs is to prevent summer slide, where kids lose their reading skills.”

Besides reading and logging those minutes, activities include painting rocks and hiding them in the community for others to enjoy, and word searches.

The program is divided into four categories with different age and grade requirements. Children can sign up in their appropriate age group and log their minutes spent reading to earn tickets that they can then enter to win prizes, just like in years past, except it’s all done online. Additional tickets can be earned by participating in various challenges throughout the summer. Prizes include games, sports balls, experiments and activities, geared to the age of the children in the category. Categories include a family program for kids up to age 4, ages 5-12, teens 13-17, and adults 18 and up.