JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- “Reading by Design” is the theme for this year’s Department of Defense Summer Reading Program.
The theme, which incorporates science, technology, engineering, art and math, or STEM, is meant to inspire children and teenagers to build upon and explore their creativity, said Sam Richards, Air Force Services Activity administrative librarian.
“Air Force libraries is very excited about the STEM focus as it provides a lot of fun events and program ideas,” Richards said. “The focus is on children and teens, but most libraries have expanded events to include adults.”
Currently, 62 Air Force installation libraries are participating in the program.
“Each installation library will organize its own programs and events,” Richards said. “While the Air Force and DoD provide the resources, libraries are given a lot of freedom to make sure their Summer Reading Program meets the needs of their base.”
The program was originally designed for children and teens to help combat the loss of academic performance, known as summer slide, during summer break. Summer slide has been shown to reduce academic performance by up to 25 percent.
Last year’s program featured an Olympic theme titled “Read for the Win,” which proved to be the most successful program to date with more than 17.8 million minutes read across the Air Force, Richard said.
“While the summer reading program has proven to combat summer slide, the events and friendly competition this program encourages also supports the pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness by building a sense of community and belonging for our Airmen and their families,” said Jon Grammer, AFSVA director of programs.
For more information, visit here or contact your installation library.