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<\/a> Chelsey Lonberger leads children in a focus activity before Christian Benford\u2019s Storytime, which wrapped up Buffalo & Erie County Public Library\u2019s 2025 Summer Reading Program at Crane Branch Library<\/p>\nFor Lonberger, the connection is direct. \u201cThis is about public access to the public\u2019s collection. It belongs to all of us, as do the services we provide day-in and day-out. No matter your zip code, no matter your means or your age, no matter your proficiency, we meet and support you where you are.\u201d The Passport to Reading program, she says, is a chance to show off the library\u2019s greatest assets: its branches and everything within them.<\/p>\n
The data is sobering. Research shows kids can lose up to 2 months of reading proficiency over the summer, and more than two-thirds of the reading achievement gap in 9th grade can be traced back to cumulative summer learning loss. Lonberger notes that the impact is not universal. \u201cThe existing work points towards an economic factor that is unavoidable. For those who can afford tutors, programs, and camps, the summer gap is a small step. To impoverished families, the gap becomes cavernous.\u201d In response, the library ramps up its free programming for school-aged children throughout the summer to help offset the slide.<\/p>\n
According to Lonberger, a common reaction is: \u201cOh, we have that too!\u201d or \u201cIt\u2019s cool the way you guys do that here!\u201d Each branch reflects its own community while working toward the same mission. Families traveling across the system will discover different collections, programs, and amenities that all connect back to a unified goal of service.<\/p>\n Graphic novels and heavily illustrated books continue to dominate. \u201cThese books use robust and complicated vocabulary words while being incredibly motivating,\u201d says Lonberger. \u201cAny book that is engaging and challenging at the same time is a monumental win.\u201d Kids move through these titles quickly, and parents often struggle to keep up. Fortunately, a single library card allows borrowing up to 50 items at a time, which, Lonberger jokes, should last about a week before families need to come back.<\/p>\n The library\u2019s Love Your Library Month in April centered on a simple message: \u201cEscape the Algorithm.\u201d The response was telling. \u201cWhat we see from both young people and even their parents is a desire to get offline and away from the screen,\u201d says Lonberger. Her advice to parents is straightforward: model the behavior you want to see. <\/p>\n Grab a physical book, get comfy on your couch, unplug and read.\u201d <\/p>\n She also notes that if you prefer reading digitally, be transparent with your kids. Let them know you are reading a book, not scrolling. Talk about what you are reading. Show them it matters.<\/p>\n Lonberger offers three practical suggestions for businesses, neighbors, and organizations:<\/p>\n Get caught reading. Go outside with a book. It is relaxing, free with a library card, and sends a powerful message to the children around you.<\/p>\n Provide books. Many locations already have informal \u201ctake a book, leave a book\u201d setups that make a real impact in book deserts. If that is not feasible, post a flyer about how to get a library card or download books digitally.<\/p>\n Spread joy. This one takes the most intentionality, but the impact is real. Celebrate readers on a wall in your nonprofit. Offer a small prize to motivate kids. Create quiet reading spaces where children can sit down and decompress with a book.<\/p>\n The program is open now and runs through the summer. Families can pick up their passport at any branch, begin collecting stamps, and work toward completing all 37 locations. The first 1,000 to finish will receive a special edition golden library card. Early response has been strong, so if you want a passport, act soon. Library cards are free to all Erie County residents, as well as those who work or attend school in Erie County.<\/p>\n For more information, visit buffalolib.org<\/a> or follow the library on social media.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n