Can you believe that it is finally summer?! It's now time for the kids to put away all those "had to read" books from school and get away from all the stress of day-to-day learning. It's time for them to relax, kick-back and enjoy hours of uninterrupted...READING!! Summer is a great time to show kids that reading can be fun and relaxing and they can do it anywhere-at the beach, camping, or at the park. Kids who stop reading over the summer, lose a lot of what they just learned by the time school starts again. This is known as the Summer Slide. Simply reading 20 minutes a day will help prevent kids from slipping back academically. Keep kids reading so that all their hard work does not go to waste!

For kids who love to read, this is easy. However, not everyone enjoys reading. Here are a few tips to help you motivate the reluctant reader in your family.

1. Make time for reading. Summer is a busy time for everyone. If you are trying to cram a few minutes of reading in between one activity and another, it simply becomes another chore that has to get done. Try and find 20 minutes that is completely dedicated to just reading. This can be quiet reading or even reading aloud. Reading aloud helps foster a life-long love of reading. Even older kids enjoy being read to. Creating a comfy reading nook is also a great way to help kids get excited for reading.

2. Have older siblings read easier books to younger siblings. This helps the reluctant reader practice reading without it feeling like work.

3. Offer a variety of books. Show kids that there is more out there than fiction books. Encourage them to explore graphic novels, how-to books, biographies and all the other amazing genres your library offers.

4. Most importantly, lead by example. If you take the time to read, your kids will be more motivated to read also.

5. Sign up for Summer Reading at your local library. Nothing motivates kids more then rewards. At KHCPL, we challenge kids to read for 20 minutes a day over the summer and we reward them with prizes.