Let’s face it — reading slumps are real, even for kids. The summer can be an especially challenging time for children to stay focused and to find their next book without the encouragement and guidance from their teachers they receive during the school year. However, there are plenty of resources available at the Lewiston Public Library — free of charge — to keep reading interesting for kids over the summer.

1. Join Lewiston Public Library’s summer reading program.

Each year, the Lewiston Public Library runs its summer reading program — Read, Make, Explore — which encourages reading with prizes, free new books and the chance to be part of a reading community.

2. Listen to books with Playaways.

Playaways are essentially small MP3 players with a single audiobook loaded on them. The library provides headphones for children if they don’t have their own. Sara Turner, deputy director of the Lewiston Public Library and the children’s librarian, said Playaways are one of the most borrowed items at the library. She said they’re a great resource for English Language Learners, for those without CD players or cellphones, and for listening to books before bed.

3. Banish book fear with large print.

Large print books for children were only added to the Lewiston Public Library’s collection in 2024 and Turner has been trying to grow it as much as possible, receiving five new copies each month. Large print is useful for kids with visual impairments, dyslexia, difficulty focusing and English Language Learners. Turner said kids who have struggled to read entire books have found more ease with large print editions. Less words on the page and more spacing between words and letters can lower barriers to reading, helping kids track more easily and increase their reading confidence. 

4. Add some color with graphic novels.

Graphic novels, which tell stories with a mix of text and visual elements, are great for kids with shorter attention spans or who might be reluctant to read. Their fast pace and dynamic format make them engaging while often telling layered and complex stories. The popularity of graphic novels has grown significantly among child, teen and adult readers over the past 10 years. According to Turner, Lewiston Public Library has one of the state’s largest graphic novel collections. “We’re really proud of that,” she said. 

Graphic novels can be somewhat controversial among parents who question their value as “real” books. To this, Turner said she’s a big supporter of graphic novels, especially if they foster an enthusiasm for reading. “This is what we really focus on, is the pleasure of reading. We want kids to just be excited to read something new. So, graphic novel, nonfiction, whatever it may be.”

5. What’s next? Keep the reading pump primed.

In the children’s department at the library, among the picture books and the middle grade fiction, Turner has added binder displays to help kids pick their next book. Her aim, she said, is to teach kids and adults how to best use the library’s collection. “I try to create fun, colorful suggestions,” she said. The binders are organized by favorite elements in books, with pages of book recommendations for kids obsessed with anything from mermaids to dinosaurs. These guides are available for the picture book and middle grade fiction sections, but Turner is in the process of developing more.