I usually get on my statistics kick in March, roughly three weeks before the Maine State Library Annual Report is due. But the library has felt exceedingly busy this summer, especially in the children’s department. Our Children’s Coordinator, Jen Betts, is lucky to find a moment to escape for lunch. Jane Wallace, in circulation, is guaranteed to arrive each morning to a book drop full of children’s books; and throughout the summer we’ve had great turnouts for programs like Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals, and the Family Ready & Watch of “Matilda.”

Besides the number of programs and program attendance, how does all this programming impact reading and literacy? Are the children at the library just frockling in clouds of bubbles over chalk dust rainbows and making recycled seed paper? Well, yes, and…They’re reading more. Circulation of children’s books has more than doubled in the last six years. In 2018, we checked out 4,115 children’s books. In 2022: 9,070 books; in 2023: 11,468 books.

There are an increasing amount of studies shedding light on the impact of exposure to books on children. In Scholarly culture: How books in adolescence enhance adult literacy, numeracy and technology skills in 31 societies researchers note that “results show that adolescent exposure to books is an integral part of social practices that foster long term cognitive competencies spanning literacy, numeracy and ICT skills…These competencies facilitate educational and occupational attainment, but they also lay a foundation for life-long routine activities that enhance literacy and numeracy…” (Sikora et al., 2019).

BHML makes it possible for families at all income levels to provide a library of books for their children to enjoy, so there is no barrier to providing children with the books they need to foster a love of learning. There’s no doubt in our mind as we open the library each day: exposure to books, self-directed reading, and participation in a culture of literacy improves children’s lives and empowers them to be the best version of themselves. One old slogan of Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is “At the heart of the harbor serving the minds of the community” and what a joy it is for us to serve the young minds of this community.

Summer Reading 2024 officially wraps up on Aug. 16, 1-3 p.m. with all the fixin’s for make-your- own sundae party, and the final chance to enter your raffle tickets.

Participating in creating this vibrant culture of literacy are our summer reading partners: Sarah's Scoops, Blanchard's Creamery, Coastal Maine Popcorn Co., Downeast Candies, Downeast Ice Cream Factory, Orne's Candy Store, Seaside Lodge #144, Dolphin Mini Golf/The Ice Cream Hut, Sherman’s Bookstores, Dunton’s Doghouse, Janson’s Clothing Store, Farm 23, Kelly's Cafe, Friends of the Library, Monkey C Monkey Do.