While for most students summer signals a much-anticipated vacation from school, New Hanover County education leaders hope it won’t mean a break from books.
Once again, the local school district will open some on-campus libraries between June 27 and August 4 as part of its summer reading program, aimed at increasing students’ access to books and opportunities to read for leisure.
It was originally implemented to help reduce the achievement gap in reading, which typically widens during summer vacation. Research indicates that children who read books during the summer improve their reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary, all of which help to keep students on track for graduation.
Libraries at 11 participating schools will be open to all students in the district. According to a district spokeswoman, media coordinators at each site will collect data throughout the summer break to determine the overall participation in and success of the program.
Visit the district’s website for a full calendar of events and activities scheduled throughout the reading program.
The following libraries will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on their designated days:
- Alderman Elementary, 2025 Independence Blvd.–Tuesdays, June 28-July 26
- Anderson Elementary, 455 Halyburton Memorial Pkwy.–Mondays, June 27, July 11 and July 18; Tuesday, July 5
- Blair Elementary, 6510 Market St.–Wednesdays, July 6-27
- Carolina Beach Elementary, 400 S. Fourth St.–Thursdays, July 7-28
- Castle Hayne Elementary, 3925 Roger Haynes Drive–Tuesdays, June 28-July 19
- New Hanover High School, 1307 Market St.–Mondays, July 11-August 1
- Pine Valley Elementary, 440 John S. Mosby Drive–Thursdays, July 14-August 4
- Snipes Academy of Art and Design, 2150 Chestnut St.–Monday-Thursday, June 27-30
- Trask Middle, 2900 N. College Road–Tuesdays, June 28-August 2
- Mary C. Williams Elementary, 801 Silver Lake Road–Tuesdays, June 28 and July 5; Thursdays, June 30 and July 7
- Winter Park Elementary, 204 S. MacMillan Ave.–Wednesdays, June 29-July 27
