&locks will tick on summer reading programs

As summer approaches and school comes to an end, there will be plenty of offerings at the Moose Jaw Public Library to keep kids busy during their summer break. Once again the TD Summer Reading Club will be hosted at the library. Kids register and then receive a reading log. The logs have four clocks divided into 15 minute sections. Each time children read for 15 minutes they get to fill up a section. Once all four clocks are completely filled in the logs are then returned to the library. This then enters them for one of the many prizes being offered from sponsors such as Wal-Mart, Superstore, Canadian Tire, and the Western Development Museum. Prizes include books, toys, and even MP3 players. Kids can continue to fill up more and more logs as the summer progresses. It is important to note that kids can read anything to fill their logs. By making the logs focus on the length of time reading instead of the number of items read, it provides an equal footing for all kids, regardless of skill level or the type of item read. “If you’re reading a long book like Harry Potter you’re not going to get penalized, versus something like Captain Underpants,” said children’s librarian Tina Dolcetti. “It’s based on time and not on quantity. We also want to encourage kids who are slower readers, or read things other than books, like newspapers or magazines.” Children who can’t yet read can also participate in the program. Parents will receive a special log that involves completing a series of tasks, such as having your child tell you about their day, discussing unfamiliar words found in a book together, or singing the alphabet song. Thus, the program is for all kids, up to those who will be in Grade 7 in the fall. Registration begins at the Summer Kick-Off party June 29 at 2 p.m. that will also offer a wide variety of games and other fun activities. You can register online or in person at the library. “It’s a fun way to start the summer right after school has ended,” said Dolcetti. “We want kids to have fun, to keep them interested in reading, and to offer them educational opportunities throughout the summer.” Dolcetti has been visiting local schools to inform students about what will be happening at the library this summer and she says the kids are getting excited. “Some kids just can’t wait to tell you how many books they have read,” said Dolcetti, who adds that she too is getting excited for the summer. There will be a lot of other programs taking place throughout the summer months as well. These programs include Legomania, a weekly event that will take place on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. from July 3 to Aug. 21. There will be also be a performance from entertainers Lee and Sandy Paley on July 31, Toddler Dance Dance Revolution on Aug. 9, Superhero Central on Aug. 10, and Goosebump Fever, a program featuring scary stores and S’mores, to be held Aug. 23. There will also be presentations from the Burrowing Owls exhibit and the Science Centre. Some programs require registration and others do not and not every program is appropriate for all ages. You should check the library’s website to view more details. As always, all programs are free of charge. “We’re really gearing it up. I can’t even count how many programs we’ve got going,” said Dolcetti. “We really want to encourage everyone to come out to the library. Research has said that kids lose about two months of learning over the summer and so reading over the summertime helps stop that.” For more information, contact the library at 692-2787 or visit the website at www.moosejawlibrary.ca.