POWERGRAMS

4 Summertime has long been known as a time for students to relax and enjoy a few months away from the classroom. However, these months can bring "summer learning loss" that prevents children from being prepared for the following academic year. This summer, thousands of students are getting it back at the Birmingham Public Library with the help of community partners such as the Alabama Power Foundation. On May 21, the foundation helped the library kick off its annual Summer Reading Program during a live segment with Jeh-Jeh Pruitt of Fox 6 TV. Birmingham Division Area Manager Foster Ware presented Library Interim Director Angela Fisher Hall with a $15,000 check. Research shows that students, especially from low-income households, will show little or no academic growth without access to educational programs during the summer. This learning loss can greatly affect the educational growth of students and broaden the achievement gap. "Providing quality summer learning for students is critical to their success in the next school year and for years to come," Ware said. "We are proud to join with Birmingham Public Library in fostering a lifetime of learning." A colorful banner that stretches across 21st Street in downtown Birmingham announces this year's theme: "Every Hero Has a Story." The program, which officially began on June 1, is available in all 19 Birmingham-area libraries. In summer 2014, 17,664 people participated in the 505 programs at Birmingham public libraries and read 50,605 books. Library employees expect those numbers to increase this summer. "We couldn't do this without the support of the Alabama Power Foundation," Hall said. "This will go a long way in making summer reading important to our children." The summer program isn't just for children. The teenager program is entitled "Unmask" and the adult program is "Escape the Ordinary." Readers can access the programs online and at the Birmingham Public Library's Facebook page. "We want the love of learning to start with the connection between a parent and child from an early age," said Sandi Lee, the children's and teen's coordinator. Throughout the summer, each library will host events, enrichment programs, reading contests, and music and dance performances to engage learners. "By providing free activities and creating positive life experiences in a safe community environment, the summer reading program is aimed to engage families and ensure the growth of lifelong learners," said Lee. For more information about the Birmingham Public Library, visit http://www.bplonline.org/summerreading.aspx. By Allison Westlake Birmingham summer students getting boost from foundation EDUCATION Thousands of children enjoy reading at 19 city libraries while out of school each year. Photos courtesy of Birmingham Public Library

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