With the cost of everything on the rise, especially gasoline, families may be spending more time at home this summer, a disappointment for many after several summers of COVID restrictions. 
The big question may be, “What are we going to do with the kids?”

There is still a place to go families can bond; children, teens, and adults can learn new things, and, best of all, it’s free—the local library. Albert Einstein would approve. It was he who said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”

One of the great things about summer at the library is their summer reading program for kids (and for adults) helping motivate kids to read, develop a love of books, and appreciation for the library, not to mention learn any number of new and exciting things.

This year, summer reading programs in libraries across the country that belong to the Collaborative Summer Library Program will have the theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” The theme is a plus for Catholic families, providing unlimited possibilities to help children investigate the connection between them and the earth – Pope Francis’ encyclical focuses on creation, Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home.

In a summer reading program, sometimes known as reading challenges, kids read books and win prizes. They log their reading and may have an opportunity to join weekly raffles for cool stuff. Often kids are encouraged to write reviews of the books they read to earn badges or additional prizes.

If your children enjoy more spontaneity and less record keeping, they can still wander (accompanied) in the stacks and choose the books they would like to read without having to reach a goal. It’s the reading that takes them on the most important adventures.

Personally, I still feel there’s something special about leaving the library with a few books under my arm (especially as more libraries are eliminating fines), but today there is the opportunity for ebooks and audiobooks in most libraries for those who prefer them.

You can get started by checking out your library’s website. In addition to a wealth of books, you might be amazed at the treasures there – special programs and age-appropriate activities, both in person or online, book giveaways, puppet shows, magic shows, storytelling, crafts, and STEM activities. The only way to know the extent of their offerings is to check it out. 

Libraries also often keep a record of the local schools’ summer reading lists. Parents can ask that books be held for them when they become available. Librarians are known for their amazing ability to make great book suggestions if you tell them what kind of book you are looking for or to help you locate a book your child would like to read.

For families who are interested in continuing to nurture their children’s faith over the summer, reading stories is a wonderful approach.  The shortlist of books, below, is recommended to me by parents. If they are not available in your library, you might ask the librarian if they can be sourced from another library or purchased for your library. Or ask the librarian to direct you to the children’s section for stories of faith. There are loads to choose from!

Recommendations:

• “Sitting Like a Saint: Catholic Mindfulness for Kids” by Dr. Gregory and Barbara Bottaro (for parents and children together)
• “Fulton Sheen and the Very Bad Week” by Bonnie J. Engstrom
• "10 Hidden Heroes" by Mark K. Shriver (seeking, finding, counting, identifying, ages 3-10) 
• “Brother Sun and Sister Moon” a hymn of praise originally written by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224 and reimagined by Katherine Paterson
• “100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls: Unforgettable Tales of Women of Faith” by Jean Fischer 
• “Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids” by Kathryn Griffin Swegart 
• “God’s Superheroes: Amazing Catholic Men” and “God’s Superheroes: Amazing Catholic Women” both by Mary Bajda

Consider supplementing your knowledge of Laudato Si with RCL Benziger’s free downloadable resources, which include Activities for Children for a Better World. The first theme discussed is water (perfect for this year’s summer reading program!) followed by endangered animals, recycling, consumerism, building a world to give our children, the dignity of all human people, and gratitude.
 

About the Author
Mary Regina Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.

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