NW Illinois News

State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is encouraging children to join his Summer Reading Club and Constituent Education Resource Card program in a June11 Facebook post. 

Through these initiatives, Chesney aims to encourage children to read during the summer break and offer his constituents the chance to visit various museums and attractions in the Chicago area.

"Kids who don’t read over the summer can lose up to three months of the previous year’s reading skills," Chesney wrote. "Be a summer reader by joining Sen. Chesney’s Summer Reading Club!"

Research has shown that children who do not engage in reading activities during the summer can experience a decline in their reading skills. In fact, it is estimated that kids who don't read over the summer may lose up to three months of the progress they made in the previous year. Recognizing the importance of continuous reading, Chesney has initiated the Summer Reading Club to combat this learning loss.

The club is open to children in first through sixth grades who reside in Chesney's 89th District. The goal of the program is for participants to read eight books by Aug. 4.

"My summer reading program is a fun way to encourage reading throughout the summer break," Chesney said, according to his website. "Reading logs are available at District 45 libraries, at schools, and many were mailed to families in the district. I look forward to meeting the young readers and congratulating them for their success at our ice cream party."

To get more information or request a reading log, parents can contact Chesney's office at 815-232-0774 or email Chesney@ilsenategop.org.

Chesney emphasizes that his summer reading program is not only educational but also a fun way to encourage reading habits during the summer break. The program provides an opportunity for children to explore various literary genres and discover the joy of reading.

To support the Summer Reading Club, Chesney has collaborated with 29 libraries across the district. Readers can visit libraries -- such as the Rockford Public Library, Freeport Public Library, Chadwick Public Library, Bertolet Memorial Library District, Genoa Public Library and others -- to pick up the necessary forms and access a wide range of books.

In addition to the Summer Reading Club, Chesney has introduced the Constituent Education Resource Card program. This program enables his constituents to obtain free passes to several prominent museums and attractions in the Chicago area. 

Passes can be reserved by calling 815-232-0774 and providing the desired dates of visit, as well as your name and address. Attractions covered by the program include the Adler Planetarium, Brookfield Zoo, The Field Museum, John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry, among others. The passes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be picked up from Chesney's Freeport office and returned after use.

The Constituent Education Resource Card program not only encourages learning outside the classroom but also aims to make educational opportunities more accessible to the community. By providing free passes to these renowned cultural institutions, Chesney hopes to enrich the lives of his constituents and foster a love for knowledge and exploration.

As a dedicated public servant, Chesney continues to prioritize education and the well-being of the youth in his district. Through initiatives like the Summer Reading Club and the Constituent Education Resource Card program, he seeks to create engaging learning experiences and contribute to the educational growth of children in the 89th District. The senator's efforts reflect his commitment to the community and his belief in the transformative power of reading and cultural exploration.