We all can recall the thrill that accompanied the last day of the school term. The anticipation of the freedom to sleep later, play all day, watch TV and generally “goof off.” But there was a hidden downside to the “lazy hazy days of summer” that appeared when we returned to school. Known as the “summer slide,” students lose some of their hard-won reading skills when they are not used for three months. Students and their teachers are then forced to spend time in the fall reviewing to regain lost skills.
In 2024, to counteract the “summer slide,” the Miami Memorial Library requested a $10,200 grant from SaddleBrooke Community Outreach to help fund their “Adventure Begins at Your Library” program. This program was designed to encourage students to read and attend educational events at their local library throughout the summer. Students in pre-school through 12th grade living in Gila County and served by the Miami Unified School District, Globe Unified School District, three local charter schools and homeschools were invited to participate. Students were recruited through flyers sent home with students, social media, radio and print media. Funds from the grant were used to pay presenters, purchase books and food and supplies for weekly events.
Using the theme “Adventure Begins at the Library” the students engaged in adventures in flight, nature, imagination, mystery, at the Olympics and in the dark. A certified drone operator demonstrated “flight,” while the students made airplanes and dropped eggs. The students made solar ovens, nature picture frames, and learned from an expert about cooking with a dutch oven. Youngsters made cardboard castles and had a jigsaw puzzle challenge. They made light jars and played with “The Thing in the Cellar,” a whodunit mystery game. The library held its our own Olympics – and, yes, gave out medals. The 4H Archery Club taught basic archery, and the students played sand volleyball in the local park. They did black light painting, had a black light party, and invited the little children to bring their stuffies for a sleep over. The library staff included family yoga and tai chi in the program as well, offering another adventure while promoting reading and learning!
But SBCO—and the Miami Memorial Library—didn’t stop with summer. More grant funds were used to support the Fall Science Program. September started with Galactic Quest. The librarians used a 4H program and installed a portable Planetarium in the library. The kids learned about what the sky looks like at different times of the year. In October, they looked into pumpkins, how they grow and what to do with them when they are picked, eaten, or carved. They even “exploded” pumpkins using chemistry. The Wacky Science Guy did several experiments with the kids. Then came Dinovember, which involved learning about dinosaurs, their skeletons and excavating for their bones. Dinosaur trainers even brought their “pets” to the park. In December, the library hosted a geologist from the Forest Service who taught the kids about spelunking. They were all certified junior rangers by the end of the session. Finally, there was winter science, which included all things gingerbread and learning about frost
SaddleBrooke Community Outreach has proudly supported the Miami Memorial Library’s Summer Reading and fall programs in 2023 and 2024 and has approved a grant for summer 2025. This summer’s program is “Color Our World” and will be the subject of a future article. Public libraries are a vital part of our communities, especially for youngsters living in economically depressed rural areas. Libraries preserve historical and cultural heritage, provide access to informational, educational and recreational resources and promote lifelong learning now and for future generations. Having visited libraries that have received SBCO grants, I am consistently impressed by the commitment and creativity of the local librarians who stretch every dollar and give the children wonderful experiences that inspire them to learn and explore beyond their local environment.
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