Overton Library Summer Reading Program Encourages Social Interaction and More Reading Time.

The Overton County Library will promote cooperation and social skills in their summer reading program, beginning Wednesday.

Director Judith Cutright said the program is important because children out of school have a tendency to lose some vital reading skills.

“Participating in things like the summer reading program it not only keeps those skills up, but it improves their social skills by letting them interact with other children their ages.”

Cutright said the program is a little more relaxed this year. She said they do not have a goal to read a number of books.

With a focus on on minutes spent reading, Cutright said they hope the program will encourage children to comprehend better by taking their time enjoying the written word.

“We also encourage children to interact and learn how to share and talk to other children their own age and various other ages,” Cutright said.

Cutright said the reading program brings children together through social activities including a group story time twice a week as well as a free play time.

Cutright said the library sets games and toys out to encourage children to work together in play after the group story.

“We hope to teach the children that it’s important to share and work together for any common goal,” Cutright said.