COLUMBUS, Ohio — As schools break for the summer, education experts are raising concerns about the “summer slide”—a documented phenomenon in which students experience learning loss during extended periods away from the classroom.
In response, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is continuing its long-standing summer reading program, which has been in operation for nearly a century.
According to Miya Reyes, public services director at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the summer reading program encourages consistent reading habits through activities that are engaging and developmentally beneficial.
Reyes said the library collaborates with educators to ensure students are enrolled in the summer reading program. She also noted that the library aligns with evidence-based literacy practices by integrating principles from the science of reading, including the purchase of decodable texts to support foundational reading skills. To address learning loss, the library provides a range of free programs such as story times, reading partners and incentive-based challenges intended to promote participation, Reyes said.
Susan Grable, a retired special education teacher and grandparent, emphasized the importance of maintaining reading routines during the summer months. She said children frequently lose academic progress during this time and noted that reading initiatives are an effective way to maintain learning momentum.
For many families, integrating reading into daily routines is essential.
Tolu Ayinule, parent of a fifth grader, said that incorporating books into everyday settings—such as car rides, mealtimes, or outdoor play—can make reading feel natural and less like an obligation. She suggested offering books on topics that interest children to help sustain their attention. Ayinule said she models reading herself, noting that when her children see her reading, they want to follow her example.
Grable said that reducing screen time, even in small increments, can create space for meaningful reading sessions. She encouraged families to establish habits such as shared bedtime stories to build a positive reading culture at home.
Research indicates that the effects of summer learning loss are more pronounced among students with limited access to books and educational resources. Studies have shown that this disparity contributes to the widening of achievement gaps during extended school breaks.
Reyes said that public libraries serve as critical community resources in reducing these effects by offering free, inclusive programs and materials that support continuous learning throughout the summer months.
Ohio is home to 251 public library systems, comprising 481 branches and a total of 732 library outlets.
Those interested in learning more or wanting to register for the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s summer reading challenge can click here.