Ella, Joe, Janelle and Maude show off their crafts during a summer reading program session last week. – Submitted Photo
by Ashley Janes
Parents looking to register their child in a program that stimulates both the brain and hands for the upcoming hot-weather months should consider the TD Summer Reading Program at the Morinville Community Library, running now until Aug. 15.
The program, sponsored by the Friends of the Morinville Library and the Rotary Club of Morinville, is for children between the ages of three and 12. It encourages continued literacy and learning with guided reading, and offers a series of games and crafts that follow a theme. In addition, Singer Mary Lambert will be performing in the first three-week session and puppeteers Peter and Mary will perform in the second.
Library staff member and Summer Reading Program Coordinator Kaitlin Erdmann believes time spent in the program is worthwhile. “Continually reading throughout the summer helps kids remember more of the things they were taught during the school year,” she said.
Of course, some children might turn their noses up at a program that asked them to read during their sunny summer days, which is where the games and crafts come into play. This year the theme is Eureka! and so all the books, games and crafts relate back to the idea of scientific discover and invention. When presented with the theme, Erdman decided to focus on creating a science and space learning environment. “I’m encouraging kids to get involved with invention and exploration,” she said. “I have selected crafts that provide them with the chance to be creative and constructive with these ideas.”
Last year Erdmann was hired to assist with the six-week program during her own summer break from Grant MacEwan University where she studies Library Information Technology. This year, now coordinating the Summer Reading Program, she has set her goal on improving enrollment. “I would like to see an increase in kids registering (as well as becoming more enthusiastic about reading!) I feel like reading is a vital part of growing up and stimulating imagination!”
After receiving requests last year for more flexible registrations options, the library decided to allow for day, week and sessional sign-up. Erdman explained that to register for the Summer Reading Program, all anyone need do is to go down to the Morinville Community Library and talk to the front desk staff. “You can sign up for the full six weeks for $35, or either one of the three-week sessions for $20. You can also sign up for just one week out of any of the six for $10, or you can drop in for the craft and / or entertainers for $3.”
For more information, contact the library at 780-939-3292 or visit morinvillelibrary.ca.
