|
Summer fun should include reading, say area librarians. Like batting practice or kicking drills, reading is a skill to practice in order to maintain peak academic performance, Sharon Henry of Grace Balloch Memorial Library in Spearfish, says.
That means picking up a book, magazine or other reading material at least once a day during the summer, she says.
Linda Rogers, library associate in youth services at the Rapid City Public Library, agrees, saying reading on a regular basis keeps students at a level comparable to that which they attained before leaving school in the spring.
"It's just like playing basketball. If you want the ball to go in the hoop, you need to practice," she said. "We suggest reading for at least 15 minutes a day for 30 days, but we're hoping they will read for more. Our goal is to keep kids reading all summer long."
In Rapid City, about 2,000 students participate in the summer reading program. Rogers hopes completion of the library's new youth services area will prompt more to join in this year.
"We want to introduce the library to a whole new crop of readers," she said.
The key to keeping kids reading during the summer is to make it fun, Grandview Elementary School librarian Cheryl Brenden says.
"Find things they love to read," Brenden says. "There is so much to choose from including comic books. Parents need to make reading material available. Take the kids to the public library or the
bookstore. Make it fun."
Encourage kids to spend time away from the computer, the video-game system and the television, Brenden says.
"Books give your children an imagination workout," she says.
Many area libraries, including Rapid City and Spearfish, are participating in the state summer reading program theme of "Laugh It Up at Your Library." Activities run the gamut from reading riddle books to performing stand-up comedy at the library.
Following is a list of libraries and scheduled activities:
Rapid City Public Library
"Laugh It Up at the Library" is the theme of this summer's program. Activities include: Giggle Gang Baby Time from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursdays; Silly-Willys Toddler Time, 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays; Fiddlesticks & Freckles (4-, 5- and 6-year-olds) 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Laugh A Lot (second- and third-graders) 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Comedy Crew (fourth- and fifth-graders) 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays; Young adult programming (sixth to 12th grades) and summer nights at the library, second and fourth Thursday evenings. Visit http://rcplib.sdln.net/Youth/srp2003.htm or call Youth Services at 394-6139, Ext.228.
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Spearfish:
"Laugh It Up at the Library" is the theme of this summer's program. Starting June 2 through July 31, story times are every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for 2- to 4-year-olds and 11:15 a.m. for ages 5 and up. There will be funny stories, jokes, limericks, tongue twisters and riddles. Kids should pick up their reading logs at the library and start reading on June 2. Participants from preschool to middle school can also register and pick up their reading logs at a special storytelling event on June 3 at the Spearfish Park Pavilion at 3 p.m., hosted by Lakota storyteller Kevin Locke.
This summer, participants can earn prizes every week just by completing two hours (20 minutes a day) of reading. They can earn prizes by taking Accelerated Reader tests and scoring 80 percent or better. They can earn bigger prizes by completing eight activities on the back of their reading logs, and if they complete the program and turn in their completed reading logs, they will be in the drawing for the biggest prizes of all. The program runs from June 2 to July 31, and more information is available at Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St. in Spearfish.
Middle-school students are invited to a brainstorming pizza party at the library at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3. The library is interested in kid-generated ideas for fun activities for 11- to 14-year-olds. These activities can apply to the entire year. Free pizza and pop is offered.
In conjunction with summer reading at the library, Ann Froelich is producing another Summer Reading Children's Theater show. This summer's show is titled "The Principal's New Clothes" and is based on the book by Stephanie Calmenson. Froelich is looking for actors and actresses, talent-show acts, behind-the-scenes helpers and all interested children from third to fifth grade. The auditions are scheduled for June 26-27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the library. The performance is scheduled for July 31. Call the library at 642-1330 for more information on summer reading and the Summer Reading Children's Theater.
Hill City Public Library and Keystone Town Library:
Children ages 6-10 can register for the program at either library any time after the last day of school. Programs at the Hill City Library will include a Beast Fest, at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 5, which will feature gross games and disgusting things to eat. Other events include: "Tellin' Tales," at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 10, featuring tall tales and noodle-head crafts; and "Dog Days of Summer," at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, featuring a pet dog show and a service-dog demonstration. Everyone who participates will receive certificates and prizes. For more information, call the Hill City Library at 574-4529 or the Keystone Town Library at 666-4499.
Edgemont Public Library:
"Laugh It Up at the Library" is the theme of this year's summer reading program. The program will run from June 9 to Aug. 8. Call the library at 662-7712.
Faith Public Library:
"Laugh It Up at the Library" is the theme of this year's summer reading program. A kickoff celebration will be Thursday, June 12, featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog. Other events are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Call the library at 967-2262.
Hot Springs Public Library:
"Who Let the Dogs Out," is the theme of this year's summer reading program. Signup begins Monday, June 9. Call the library at 745-3151.
Bennett County Library, Martin:
"Laugh It Up at the Library" is the theme of this year's summer reading program. Signup day is Monday, June 16. The program officially starts on Monday, June 23 with a kids' concert. Storytime is each Tuesday at 2 p.m. Call the library at 685-6556.
Sturgis Public Library:
"Laugh It Up at the Library: It's Doggone Fun" is the theme of this year's summer reading program. Clifford will visit the library at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13. Summer story hour will be 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays throughout the summer. Call the library at 347-2624.
Jackson County Library, Kadoka:
Summer reading program starts mid-June. Signup sheets are available at the Kadoka Summer Program at the elementary school office. Call Annette Vandermay at 837-2173. |
