Got books? School's out, but learning should still be in

There is nothing like hearing that last school bell ring when you are a kid.

After all, it means a couple months of summer, which usually includes a whole lot of fun stuff.

But there is a well-known, but little discussed, fact about summer vacations and education.

If you don't practice it, or continue to add to it, you lose ground.

And although we love to hear the "school's out for summer" chant, it is important to remember that there is a reason to continue to push things like reading, writing and arithmetic even as summer fun fills the days.

Reading is one of the best ways to keep your kids in the education loop.

The Wayne County Public Library and its Mount Olive, Fremont and Pikeville branches offer all sorts of programs for young readers as well as knowledgeable librarians to help them choose just the right book.

So, grab your swim gear and head to the pool, yes, but before you do, make a stop at the library and get a book or two for after the day's fun is over.

Take your kids on the kind of adventure that leads to a brighter future -- and doesn't even require a tank of gas.

Published in Editorials on July 1, 2015 10:59 AM