Atlanta library plans to open summer reading program to readers of all ages
There’s a saying, “When times get tough, the tough get going.”
One might apply that to Deborah Harwell at Atlanta Public Library.
Oh, Harwell is smiling and easy-going all the time, but she is also full of ideas and creative. For example, what would you do to plan a summer reading program tthat meets needs of parents, other adults and youth at a time of “social distancing?”
Reading may be solitary but reading together and encouraging new readers is highly social.
First, instead of expecting fewer participants this summer, Harwell is opening the program not just to youth but also to older adults. Everyone, in fact.
“From babies to adults. Something like a book club. We’re going to appeal to every age group,” Harwell said.
Parents can read along with their children and be a part of the summer reading program with them.
They’ll receive their specially-prepared packets just like the younger readers, but the subject matter will be different and tailored to adults.
So, the first difficulty to overcome with this expanded idea in a difficult time is that packets of material and instructions must be prepared ahead of time and ready to hand out to the 25 or 125 people who show up to participate.
These packets will include work sheets, crafts, coloring material and special projects.
“For instance, we’ll be making dragon eyes and clothespin fairies, “Harwell said.
“More work up front, less work as the program runs,” program helper
Ciarra Oxford said.
The summer reading program is titled “Imagine Your Story.”
The theme is all about dragons and fairies.
The topics selected for each of three groups are Grimms’ Fairy Tales for the youngest, “twisted” fairy tales for the between-age years and a traditional book being chosen for the older adults.
To take part, you need to contact the library to show your interest so that appropriate materials will be prepared.
Then, on each Monday and Thursday of each week in June and July, participants will come to the library between 10 a.m. and noon to pick up their packets of materials and instructions.
At the moment, there can be no live programming at the library. Readers will participate from home and on their own, but the essential excitement of a reading program will be in effect.
“We’ll have reading logs competition and prizes along the way, and everyone will be in competition for big rewards at the end of seven weeks,” organizers said as they worked hard to prepare.
The summer reading program starts at 10 a.m. until noon Monday.
That’s the time to come to the library to pick up your packet. Those who can’t make this date can come 9 a.m. until noon Thursday.
Two days to sign up for one program.
The library’s summer reading program is an answer to what a creative cmmunity resource can do when times seem hard.
Expand programs, plan more and work harder, especially at the beginning.
That’s the way to serve the public.