CHICAGO – To encourage summer reading, State Senator Willie Preston is launching a summer book club for children and teens who live in the 16th State Senate District.

“Youth activities have always been one of my top priorities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “To keep young people positively engaged in the district, I secured funding for afterschool and summer programs, and I am excited to host this book club to build on that momentum.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Preston’s office by Friday, Aug. 16. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate from Preston.

Preston hopes his book club will help combat the “summer slide” – the loss of academic skills that occurs when school is not in session – and bring awareness to the issue that is attributed largely to the lack of reading.

“It’s important for kids to become strong readers to help them succeed in school and life,” said Preston. “By setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day to read, we can promote lifelong learning and help keep our students’ minds sharp and ready to head back to class in the fall.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorPreston.com/SBC to download and print the form.

Preston encourages interested residents to call his office at 773-782-1607 with any additional questions.