STATE COLLEGE — This year’s Summer Reading Program at Schlow Centre Region Library still has a whole month to go, and besides the excitement surrounding this year’s theme of “A Universe of Stories,” participants have enjoyed and recommended a diverse selection of books.
In the children’s department, some of the more popular titles this summer include recent juvenile fiction series such as “Wings of Fire,” by Tui Sutherland and “Dragon Masters,” by Tracey West, along with classics such as “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” by C.S. Lewis.
Teens also are enjoying fantasy books along with dystopian fiction and some classics. Some popular titles among teens this summer include “Mockingjay,” by Suzanne Collins, the “Harry Potter” series by JK Rowling, and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain.
“Classic titles are a popular choice to read during the summer,” Schlow adult services librarian Karen Lambert said when asked why classics continue to be popular reading choices. “This year, many classics are on OCLC’s (Online Computer Library Center) The Library 100 list, which purposely coincides with a reading quest for the adult and teen programs. I think many teens are encouraged by parents, friends or teachers to read a few classics during the summer months, while many adults choose to revisit their favorite classics or read some from their ‘to be read’ list. Plus, TV and film adaptations, such as PBS’s “Les Miserables” television miniseries may also generate an increased interest for specific classic titles.”
The teen program also has seen “The Holy Bible” receive several likes.
Popular titles among the adults include “Becoming,” by Michelle Obama, “Educated,” by Tara Westcott, and “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” by Neil Gaiman.
About Neil Gaiman’s book, one patron wrote on the Summer Reading website, “Wow! My husband and I read this book aloud to each other, which I think made it even more powerful and seemed more appropriate when I found out he had written it for his wife and read her the draft aloud. Gaiman’s stories often creep me out a bit, and this might have been frightening had I read it alone, but it was absolutely beautiful sharing it with someone else.”
Through July 15, a total of 2,301 babies, kids, teens and adults have participated in Summer Reading this year at Schlow. Summer Reading ends Aug. 21, so there is still time to register and win prizes. Visit reading.schlowlibrary.org.
