Malmstrom children expand their horizons to the world of reading Published July 1, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- More than 85 children from Malmstrom have already signed up to cast off on a "Voyage to Book Island," the department-wide summer reading program. The program's participants range from ages 18 months and younger to middle school age children, all taking some time out during the summer months to sit down and enjoy reading. "As most parents and teachers know, children tend to fall behind on their reading skills during the summer," said Linda Rangitsch, library technician. "This program encourages them not to regress in their learning and maintain those skills. It also encourages them to use the library and take more joy in actually reading instead of television and playing video games." The program is reward based, providing incentives for the children to complete and log every hour of reading or being read to. Some incentive prizes include free bowling, T-shirts, bookmarks, wallets, Frisbees and pizza. The children are permitted to choose their own reading material for the program, and with the base library providing more than 35,000 fiction, nonfiction, downloadable audio books, playaways and cds, it's a simple task finding something to spark the imaginations of all ages and interests. "Reading to your children is very critical," Mrs. Rangitsch said. "The older children can progress on their own, but it's also really important to read to 2 year olds and the younger ones as well. Reading to them regularly increases their vocabulary, fluency and knowledge of general things in the world around them." The goal for children participating in the program is to read between four to six books over the course of the summer. "The summer reading program is definitely worth taking advantage of," said Kylea Minteer-Jacobs, library aid. "The program promotes family time together, gives children something fun and engaging to do and provides a continued educational opportunity all summer long. They gain a sense of accomplishment from earning something on their own, and that positive reinforcement can help them continue to want to read in the future. It's just beneficial for everyone involved and it's a great program." The summer reading program will run for eight weeks with open enrollment throughout the summer. The last day will be August 14. "We try and make learning fun," Mrs. Rangitsch said, "because if learning is fun then the kids will do it. They'll learn more and that's the one of the biggest purposes." To learn more about activities and programs going on at the base library, call 731-4638.