‘Paws to Read’ inspires summer reading

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  With school out and summer kicking off, the Aviano Base Library is offering incentives to Airmen and their families to continue reading throughout the summer.

"Paws to Read" is an Air Force-wide summer reading program with more than 200 Department of Defense libraries involved in boosting reading goals.

"This program is designed to encourage people to continue reading over the summer," said Gayla Campos, 31st Force Support Squadron library technician. "The themes are meant to attract a younger generation, but the program is open to teens and adults as well. After signing up, members track the amount of hours they read until the finale on Aug. 5."

Throughout the seven summer weeks, logs are given out to participants who register to track their time. For every week they exceed 10 hours of reading or listening to a book, they are given a prize when they return to the library.

"Participants have the choice to read their own material at home," said Campos. "The books do not have to be checked out of the library. Although we have a large selection, we also offer audio books and e-books you can check out online or from here."

The library is also offering themed "Story Times" every Tuesday, for ages five and under, and Thursday, for ages six and above, at 10:30 a.m. Every week features books and crafts from different animal habitats, to include arctic animals, sea animals and pets.

During the final "Story Time", on Aug. 5, military working dogs from the 31st Security Forces Squadron will be putting on a demonstration for children and adults.

The program will host a finale event Aug. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Community Center that will feature games, refreshments, completion prizes and more.

"Statistics have shown that kids that continue to read throughout the summer will do better in school when they return in the fall," said Campos. "We want to keep kids from sitting around playing video games during the summer, and encourage them to read and keep their minds engaged."

To register or for more information on the "Paws to Read" summer reading program, call 632- 5382.