Whether they’re interested in dinosaurs, pirates, mummies, or buried treasure, the summer reading program at the Emo Public Library is allowing local children to explore “Lost Worlds” through books and activities.
“It’s going really well so far,” stressed student librarian Lauren Davis, who is organizing the program this season.
She noted nearly 30 children (12 years and under) are participating in the reading club and they seem very interested in this year’s “Lost Worlds” theme.
“It’s a very broad theme—there’s something for everyone and there is a lot of books they can read to stick with the theme,” she explained. “And it’s a topic a lot of kids are interested in right now.”
The program is part of the TD Summer Reading Club and across Canada close to 400,000 children take part in the activities at their local libraries.
Davis noted the national program offered a kit containing booklists, posters, stickers, and activities, so she can use the provided ideas or her own creativity to create the local program.
“The kids take out books, do a book report—the younger children can just draw a picture or write a few sentences—and then they receive stickers to put on their posters,” she indicated, citing for every three books read, they receive a sticker.
The student who reads the most books by the end of the summer will win an MP3 player, but Davis said their are a number of other prizes to earn as well.
In addition to reading the books, several theme days full of activities are being planned.
Davis explained she’d like to have a “pirate day” and a “dragon day” where the participants would dress up in costumes and gather for a story, craft, and treasure hunt.
While the dates and details have not been ironed out for the theme days, the activities will be held in conjunction with the Emo Toy Library/Ontario Early Years Centre.
When plans are finalized they will be posted on the bulletin board at the facility.
“I think the theme days will help the kids stay interested in the program throughout the summer,” she stressed, citing parents also play a role in keeping their children motivated to read.
But participants don’t necessarily have to read books relating to the “Lost Worlds” theme.
“We have the recommended books relating to the theme, but it’s totally up to them as long as they are reading,” she added.
There is even a treasure chest set up in the library and participants are often allowed to take a “gold” (chocolate) coin for their efforts.
Davis also noted that those involved in the program are encouraged to bring in a photo of themselves to put on the bulletin board.
“It’s just nice to give them some recognition,” she said, citing many children have already been working hard and reading lots of books to earn stickers for their poster.
“There’s been a lot of interest and it’s off to a great start.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
