It doesn’t matter which elementary teacher you ask. I think just about every one of them will tell you how important it is for students to continue to read over the summer.

The reading material isn’t as important as the act of reading itself.

In fact it might be good for a young reader to jump from a novel to a sports magazine, to an informational publication or a recipe. The part of their brain that does the reading needs exercise and practice as much as a runner needs frequent workouts and a batter needs batting practice.

If young folks take a break from reading over the three months of summer, they could lose ground in their reading ability and be reading at a lower level at the start of the next year than when they left school in May.

Luckily, our local libraries have some great summer programs planned to help us get books into the hands of our kids and grandkids.

Both the Clark County Public Library System and the New Carlisle Public Library are taking registration for their summer reading programs that can lead to prizes and other rewards, in addition to reading practice. All it takes is a library card, and last time I checked, they were still free as long as you return the book on time.

At the Enon Library, after five books, a reader will earn an entry into a drawing to possibly win prizes.

Special activities are scheduled at different times throughout June and July to encourage reading. Since the county library has so many branches, young readers are allowed to catch the events at different branches. This can be handy since there are vacations, swim lessons, games and other activities to schedule around all summer.

Preregistration is encouraged for all the library events and required for some.

“We appreciate registration because it helps us plan ahead so we can be sure to have all the materials needed for activities,” said Enon librarian Terri Bowman.

Bowman believes that local children will be surprised by the variety and number of books available. Nearly half of the books in this fairly new library are for the young reader.

The Enon Library’s first ever Worm Day will be June 19.

There will be a Wiggle Worm Story time for kids ages 5-9 at 10:30 a.m. Kids can also have fun making and tasting Worm Burgers from 11:30 a.m. to to 12:30 p.m.

Worm races at the Enon Library begin at 2 p.m. Elementary students are encouraged to ring their own entry and be a part of the fun.

Silly Safaris will bring to Enon some of the students’ “favorite furry, feathered, scaly and even slimy friends” to visit on June 27. Space is limited and registration is required.

On July 11, kids in grades kindergarten through eighth will get to see Jeff Nicholas’ program on drawing. July 17 will find Larry Yowler showing how artifacts are dug up. LEGO fanatics will love the presentation by Kyle and Rachel Peterson from Blokhedz on Aug. 7. Students can practice reading aloud to dogs on Aug. 14.

Details of each “Dig Into Reading” event can be found at www.ccpl.lib.oh.us or by visiting the Enon Library or any branch of the Clark County Library.

I was excited that the digging theme is also being carried on at the Enon Library for grown-ups with special gardening presentations on June 20, July 11, Aug. 22 and Sept. 12. It is nice not to be left out.

If you need to reach me, I’ll be on the porch with a book.