BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the State Library of Louisiana announced today that public libraries across Louisiana are launching summer reading programs designed to keep children, teens, and adults engaged in reading throughout the summer months. Programs vary by library system and are free and open to residents of all ages.
Research consistently shows students who do not read during the summer can lose weeks of academic progress, a phenomenon commonly known as the “summer slide.” Reading loss can compound over time, leaving students increasingly behind their peers when a new school year begins. Summer reading programs are among the most effective ways libraries help families combat that trend by providing structure, encouragement, and access to books during the months when students are away from the classroom.
“Summer is when the library really becomes the heartbeat of the community, truly shining as centers of learning and creativity,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “These free summer reading programs give families an opportunity to keep children engaged, inspired, and learning while school is out. I encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers across Louisiana to visit their local library, sign up for a reading program, and make reading part of their family’s summer routine.”
Summer reading programs can take many forms. Typically, programs include structured reading incentives where participants log reading time or books completed and may earn rewards at set milestones. Many libraries offer programs tailored tracks for children, teens, and adults, with different materials and incentives for each, and may include storytime sessions, author visits, activities, workshops, performances, and special events, making the library a destination throughout the summer.
The State Library of Louisiana supports summer reading programs across the state’s public library systems, offering resources, training, and coordination to help libraries of every size deliver quality programming to their communities. Summer reading programs are supported in part by grants from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Beyond preventing learning loss, summer reading programs play a broader role in community life. Libraries report participation increases visits, strengthens ties between families and their local branch, and introduces new patrons, particularly young ones, to the full range of services the library offers.
“Summer reading programs give libraries a structured way to fulfill their most essential purpose: connecting people with books and building the habit of reading,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “Libraries across Louisiana are offering programs this summer for every age and every reader. We hope families will take advantage of what their local library has to offer and discover just how much is waiting for them there.”
Residents are encouraged to contact their local public library for information about specific programs, schedules, and registration. For more information on a summer reading program in your parish, you can find links to Louisiana’s public library systems in the Louisiana Library Connection online directory.