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The Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is kicking off its 95th year this month.
On Wednesday, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Kevin Li lead story time by reading “Goodnight Moon” in English and Chinese to IPS first and second graders at the Central Library.
This year’s summer reading theme is “Read in Any Language” promoting books that explore different cultures and languages.
"I think it's important that they know there's a big world out there and that they can become a part of it and they can thrive in it," says Ballard.
The program helps combat what’s known as the summer slide says Library CEO Jackie Nytes.
"If they keep reading over the summer, there's been a lot of research that has shown that they will do better, they will hold on to that knowledge," says Nytes, "and in fact they may progress."
Anyone can participate, getting points for reading and then turning them in for prizes and a chance to win scholarship money.
Last summer 58,900 young readers got involved in the program, a 10-year high.
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