Think summer reading is lazing under a tree as a warm breeze turns the pages for you?

Well, could be, but the Sno-Isle Libraries, “Explore Summer — Read, Learn Discover” program is aimed at youth from tiny to teens and has something more competitive, energetic and probably louder in store.

“While children and teens of all ages are welcome to participate in ’Explore Summer, it is designed to better prepare students when they return to school in the fall by battling the summer slide” said Leslie Moore, youth and outreach services manager for Sno-Isle Libraries. “We have a really full lineup of events, activities and library materials to keep kids engaged, entertained, and learning while having fun.”

“Explore Summer,” which runs from June 1-Aug. 31, may just make students smarter, too.

Educators from school districts across Snohomish and Island counties say that summer programs such as “Explore Summer — Read, Learn Discover” can improve a student’s performance when they go back to school in the fall.

“Reading over the summer is not only fun, studies show that students who take part in their local library’s summer program significantly improve their reading skills,” Marianne Costello, library and instructional technology coordinator for the Edmonds School District, said. “Sno-Isle Libraries is a great partner and I urge our students to check out the Explore Summer program and then check out a book.”

“Explore Summer” challenges participants to become bronze-, silver- and gold-medal readers. The program includes reading logs for kids and teens that are available at any Sno-Isle library or can be printed at home by going to www.sno-isle.org/explore-summer. Gaining each level and other milestones will make participants eligible for prizes awarded at each library.

In addition, children can earn extra badges in Beanstack. Beanstack is a personalized online service designed for families with young readers discover books, activities, apps and other items that matched to your child’s age and interests.

Yes, “Explore Summer” definitely includes reading, but there is more.

“The Sarvey Wildlife Center is bringing their ‘Birds of Prey’ show to several libraries, we’ve got bands playing, magicians, the Pacific Science Center, the ‘Noiseguy’ … a whole summer of some pretty exciting and fun activities scheduled across our libraries,” Moore said.

The “Explore Summer” program addresses a number of the Sno-Isle Libraries strategic goals, including literacy and learning, community and culture, free and equal access and championing early literacy.

The Mountlake Terrace library is located at 23300 58th Ave. W.