Summer Reading Programs for Local Families at SUU

Published: July 01, 2013 | Read Time: 2 minutes

School may be out for the summer, but learning can live forever by way of the ongoing reading encouraged of all students over the summer months. In this pursuit, Southern Utah University will host two separate summer reading programs, beginning Tuesday, July 2.

The first, a community favorite, is the ongoing SUU Story Time, which will run twice a week during the summer months. Directed by SUU students and faculty, SUU Story Time provides an hour of reading and related activities for children, ages three through 12.

Phil Roché, Story Time director, has seen firsthand the impact of the Sherratt Library-sponsored story hour in years past and is excited for this year’s installment to begin.

Roché says that beyond helping young students remain active readers during the summer months when many children become academically stagnant, the SUU Story Time provides a unique opportunity for local schoolchildren by way of collegiate exposure.

"Bringing children to a college campus, to rub shoulders with college students and professors, helps them see that college isn’t scary."

All reading genres will be explored during the summer Story Time, which will run every Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The second reading program run through the University is now in its inaugural year as the first open community Read-a-Thon, giving everyone — young and old — an excuse to step away from their busy schedules and settle down for a good summer read.

Joy Sterratino, Read-a-Thon creator and assistant professor of English at SUU, emphasized this activity is for readers of all ages. “Sometimes we forget the joys that come from reading; my intent is to help people step away from their hectic lives, lay on the grass and read a good book, no matter their age." Above all, Sterratino wants people to "remember what it feels like to be swept away by a good book.”

The open community Read-a-Thon will run from 1-3 p.m. every Tuesday during the summer months. All readers need to bring their own book, blanket, snacks, friends, children, or whatever else they anticipate needing to enjoy an afternoon of reading.

Both the weekly read-a-thons and story times will be held on the south side of the Upper Quad (the open, grassy area  in front of SUU's Old Main and Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center).

Please Note: Neither events are intended as drop-off activities, and parents/guardians should plan to supervise young children throughout.

Story Time will not be conducted July 6 due to the July 4 holiday. 

---

Contact Information:

435-586-5400
Contact the Office of Marketing Communication