New Hanover County Schools has opened the doors to school libraries this summer.
The district’s summer reading program is in place at all Title I elementary and middle schools now through Aug. 14.
The main goal of the summer reading program, according to district officials, is to increase students’ access to books and opportunities to read for leisure.
It was 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.
The district is able to offer the summer reading program through funds allotted by the federal Title I program for the 2014-15 school year.
Libraries at participating schools will give parents the opportunity to bring their children in to check out books. Many schools will also open their computer labs.
The library schedules are as follows:
- Alderman Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays
- Anderson Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays
- Bellamy Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays
- Blair Elementary–8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesdays
- Bradley Creek Elementary–11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays
- Carolina Beach Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays
- College Park Elementary–11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays
- DC Virgo Preparatory Academy–8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mondays
- Forest Hills Global Elementary–noon-3 p.m., Tuesdays; 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays
- Rachel Freeman Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays
- Gregory Elementary–9 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Holly Shelter Middle–10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays
- Murray Middle–10 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Murrayville Elementary–11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays
- Myrtle Grove Middle–8 a.m.-2 p.m., Mondays
- Pine Valley Elementary–noon-6 p.m., Tuesdays
- Snipes Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays
- Sunset Park Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays
- Trask Middle–10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesdays
- Mary C. Williams Elementary–noon-3 p.m., Tuesdays; 3-6 p.m., Thursdays
- Williston Middle–11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays
- Winter Park Elementary–9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays
- Wrightsboro Elementary–11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays
