Its summertime, but that doesn’t mean that students at Valley Regional High School (VRHS) should stop reading—in fact, they are required, each summer, to complete at least two summer readings. In an effort to help students along with this quest, the Chester Library has designed a unique program for Valley students to earn summer reading credits.

According to VRHS, the intent of the summer reading program is to challenge students to become life-long readers and learners by encouraging them to read during non-instructional time. Through this reading program, the school seeks to promote intellectual stimulation, social awareness, diversity of viewpoints, and independent thinking. Students must complete the summer reading program for all four years as a graduation requirement.

This year, the Chester Library has chosen for discussion the novel, 172 Hours on the Moon written by Johan Harstad. After reading the book, students can sign up to be part of the Thursday, Aug. 13 book discussion at the library, led by instructor Sally Murray. Snacks are provided and each student will get a certificate at the end of the discussion (if Murray feels they have shown a strong understanding of the book) that will count for VRHS credit for one of the required summer readings. There will be a limit of 20 students to this discussion.

“We thought this would be a fun way of drawing the students into the library over the summer months, get them together with their peers to discuss books, in a relaxed environment, and also help them fulfill their school requirements,” said Chester Library Director Linda Fox.

She added, “Whenever we can get teenagers into the library, we try to. They add such life and vibrancy to the atmosphere. We love to have them here and the discussions are always a lot of fun for everyone.”

This is the fifth year the library has been engaged in this program, and each year interest keeps increasing. Originally only one book discussion date was scheduled for the high schoolers, however, the first date filled up so quickly the Aug. 13 date was added.

Chester Library Childrens’ Librarian Patty Petrus said, “This is a well attended event that always strikes up a good discussion amongst the students. We try to remind the teens that the library is a wealth of resources, not only for books, but also as a quiet place, with free wifi. We also offer a lot of programs here like our game sessions with friends and scrap booking, to name a few.”

Copies of 172 Hours on the Moon are available at the library. For more information or to sign up for the program, call 860-526-0018. Students from Chester, Deep River, and Essex are welcome.