Books Help Prevent the "Summer Slide" in Illinois

(Undated) -- As Illinois children enjoy their summer break, educational experts say it’s important they find the time to sharpen their reading skills. Kate Kite with the Wood River Public Library in western Illinois says studies have shown there is 'learning loss' in the summer months that can result in children having to play catch-up at school in the fall. She says that loss or, "summer slide," can be prevented through daily reading. Kite says Summer Reading Programs are a great option to get children excited about reading, and libraries across the state offer programs that combine educational and fun activities for kids of all ages. Illinois also offers Find-a-Book Illinois, an online resource for families to find books that meet their children’s reading level and interests. (isbe.net/find-a-book/)