In New Hampshire, summertime means cookouts, beach days, hikes, and reading. Each year, New Hampshire librarians encourage readers of all ages to include reading as part of their activities, and this year’s summer reading theme, Build a Better World, will focus on a wide range of ways to make things a little brighter at home, in our communities and even for the world at large.

While Build a Better World might at first seem limited to construction, public librarians from across New Hampshire will broaden the “better world” concept by offering a wide range of programming that ties in with their collections. Gardening, fitness, nature study, biographies of people who have made positive impacts and, of course, construction and do it yourself projects are just some of the topics to be explored.

As part of the program, performers from the State Library’s Kids, Books and the Arts roster will hold special events at libraries statewide throughout the summer.

Patrons of all ages are invited to discover the books, magazines, movies and more that are available at their public library and that can help them learn ways to Build a Better World. Many libraries will offer incentives based on the number of books a patron reads during the summer months or on how much time they spend reading. Participants may choose to read whichever books they want, including those not related to this year’s theme.

The importance of summer reading has been known for more than a century. Students who read at least six books during the summer have been found to maintain or improve their reading skills, while those who do not read during the summer can lose a full grade level.

The New Hampshire State Library promotes excellence in libraries and library services to all New Hampshire residents, by assisting libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system; by meeting the informational needs of New Hampshire’s state, county and municipal governments and its libraries; and by serving as a resource for New Hampshire. For more information visit: nh.gov/nhsl.