Library reading program closes book on successful summer
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(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | LIBRARY OF GRAHAM) The Library of Graham passes out backpacks with goodies inside Friday, July 15 to those who completed a reading log for the Summer Reading Program. The backpacks were a new addition to the reading program this year. -
(MIKE WILLIAMS | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Library of Graham hosted its prize finale Wednesday, July 20 at the library.
Last Wednesday afternoon marked the end of the Library of Graham’s Summer Reading Program. The program, entitled Oceans of Possibilities, experienced changes this year under new library director Kelly LaFarge.
The program, which kicked off Wednesday, June 1 at Crestview Elementary School, encourages children to develop a habit of reading during the summer. Weekly programs took place at the school, as well as at the library.
“The point of hosting a summer reading challenge is to support the young people in the county, support the schools and encourage kids to develop the habit of reading,” LaFarge said in a previous interview. “The nice thing with the summer program is the kids can choose their own books, whatever they want to read. So it’s self-choice, which is a good motivator. And we’re trying to encourage them to come in the library so they’ve got still a little bit of routine and activity going on even though school is out.”
Programs at Crestview Elementary included Wildlife on the Move, Rob Holiday’s Magical Balloons, James Wand’s Magic Show, Brett Roberts Kid Comedian, and Nancy and Friends Puppets.
LaFarge said children were encouraged to read 30 minutes per day. After reading 30 minutes per day Monday through Friday, prizes were awarded for returning a reading log signed by their parents. Prizes included pool passes, coupons for ice cream, pizza and chicken sandwiches. Drawings for larger prizes took place at last week’s finale.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, July 27 edition of The Graham Leader.
