DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

FATHER AND DAUGHTER SITTING ON COUCH AND READING

AVOIDING THE SUMMER SLIDE: National research finds that students who participate in library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than those who did not participate.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation develops all kinds of enrichment programs to support force readiness and military community. One such program is the Department of Defense MWR Summer Reading Program.

The program's theme this year is "It's Showtime at Your Library." Department of Defense-MWR libraries will feature all types of performance, from movies and theater to puppetry, dance, poetry, videos and more. Reading promotes family time for all ages. That's why children, teens and adults can enroll in this year's summer reading program at ila.org/dodsumread .

ENCOURAGE SUMMER READING

The mission of the Department of Defense-MWR summer reading program, through a contract with the Illinois Library Association iREAD Reading Programs, is to provide the resources and experiences to bridge the summer gap, while inspiring literacy and life-long learning. The benefits of summer reading are clear:

Plus, reading is fun for the whole family. Reading can lead to priceless conversations, spur a child's imagination and inspire young readers to explore creativity and design new worlds. Sign up for the Summer Reading Program: contact your local Morale, Welfare and Recreation installation library at installations.militaryonesource.mil

EXPLORE YOUR INSTALLATION LIBRARY

The Department of Defense and MWR oversees the management of 207 libraries on military installation ( militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/libraries/explore-the-library), which provide much more than aisles of books. Check your installation library to see what events are offered. These could include activities, graphics, crafts, reading lists, incentives, films, and more for children, teens and parents. Discover what's in your installation library.

TAP INTO THE MWR DIGITAL LIBRARY

If you're a member of the National Guard or reserve or don't have access to a local installation library, you can still participate in the Summer Reading Program virtually. Learn more at dodvirtualsrp.beanstack.org/reader365

The MWR Digital Library ( militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel- shopping/recreation/libraries/morale-welfare-and-recreation-digital-library) can help you support your summer reading goals, giving service members and families access to eBooks, audio books, digital magazines, genealogy resources, digital newspapers, journals, tutoring services and more. The digital library service is a particularly helpful benefit for those military families who may not have access to installation libraries. The digital library service is available through your service branch:

IT'S SHOWTIME : SUMMER READING 2019 AT DOD-MWR LIBRARIES

MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION: YOUR SOURCE FOR AFFORDABLE FUN

Military life has many demands, so Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff want to help you make the most of your free time. MWR is the military's network of support and leisure programs for service members. On base or off, Morale, Welfare and Recreation ( installations.militaryonesource.mil) provides lots of ways for you to connect with friends and others for entertainment, rest and relaxation — all at reduced or no cost.

R&R ON THE INSTALLATION

R&R OFF THE INSTALLATION

Off-base adventures start with your installation's Information, Tickets and Travel office ( militaryonesource.mil/recre- ation-travel-shopping/recreation/tickets-tours/information-tickets-and-travel-your-keyto-fun) and the outdoor recreation office. They'll give you the scoop on sporting events, museums, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, historical sites and other attractions, both near and far. They're also good for discount tickets and vacation planning services.

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT OFF-BASE OPPORTUNITIES :

VACATION DISCOUNTS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES WITH AMERICAN FORCES TRAVEL

There's a new online leisure travel booking website created for members of the U.S. military community: American Forces Travel. American Forces Travel ( americanforcestravel.com) is designed to be a one-stop travel booking site. A joint service initiative, it offers military discounts and helps fund other current and future MWR programs.

FIND DISCOUNTS WITH AMERICAN FORCES TRAVEL

SUPPORTING MWR PROGRAMS

Beyond offering travel discounts, American Forces Travel can help members of the military community find many relaxing, fun ways to recharge and stay mission ready. That's because anything booked through American Forces Travel earns a commission that goes directly to MWR programs around the world, at no cost to you. That money helps pay for services you already use, like outdoor recreation, pools, parks and workshops on your installation. militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/single-life/morale-wel- fare-and-recreation-your-source-for-affordable-fun

AMERICAN FORCES TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY

– Military One Source

A ONE-STOP TRAVEL BOOKING SITE : AMERICAN FORCES TRAVEL 

American Forces Travel is a new Morale, Welfare and Recreation program arising out of a joint service initiative combining the efforts of each of the five branches of service and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community & Family Policy. Because the Internet is now the most popular way to research and book travel, the branches of Service chose to evolve their travel offering. Travel is transforming the way MWR provides online leisure services to Service members and families, empowering them to revitalize, reconnect, be well, and most importantly, be mission-ready. In addition to dramatically enhancing quality of life for the military community, American Forces Travel will inject critical revenue into MWR programs by providing commissions from every booking made.