Saratoga News
News
File photograph by Saori Yoneda
The Saratoga library wants to make reading fun and will host a summer reading program for children. Sophia Grant (right) knows a good book when she sees it, and picked one out when her grandmother, Gay Grant, took her to visit the library just after its grand opening in 2004.
Saratoga library shows kids reading can be fun
Summer program for readers of all ages
By Michele Leung
The dog days of summer seem to be the perfect time to curl up with a good book during the Saratoga library's pet-oriented summer reading program for children.Students entering first through eighth grades can sign up to participate in the summer reading club, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." If they read at least 10 books during the summer, they are eligible to receive a certificate for a free book at the Book-Go-Round, a used bookstore run by the Friends of the Saratoga Library.
"It's always important to promote reading so they continue their skills in the summertime," said Peggy Baker, the children's librarian.
The program officially kicked off earlier in June, and Baker said she received 400 sign-ups before school let out. She expects by the end of the summer, 1,200 children will have signed up.
"Once they hear about the summer reading program at school, they can't wait to sign up," Baker said.
The reading program also has fun weekly programs that aren't necessarily reading-related but include animal performances and shows. For eight weeks on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m., children can watch productions such as the Lizard Lady and her reptiles and a pet fair from the Humane Society.
Additionally, there are specials for families on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., which include a puppet show, animal storytelling and a presentation on marimba and drum music. These events will run on June 27, July 18 and Aug. 1.
But the reading fun isn't just for the little ones. For the first time at the Saratoga library, there are summer reading programs geared to all age groups.
"It's interesting that when children signed up, parents were also signing up," said Joan Zedlar, an adult program librarian.
For adults who want to participate, they are asked to read five books in the summer. They can make recommendations about good books they've picked up or write about a good read that's made a difference to them. If they finish five books and turn in their progress form by Aug. 15, they will also receive a certificate for a book at the Book-Go-Round.
Not to be left out, the teenagers in grades 7-12 also have their own reading club. For this age group, there are no parameters or conditions, except to put down a goal of how many books students want to read. They will be able to submit book reviews, which will be posted online.
"This is reading for the fun of it," said teen librarian Jodie Wipking. "They are so busy during the school year, but now they have that free time."
Wipking said teen readers began signing up when school was still in session, and she said she was amazed at their voracious nature. Some put down 30 books as their goal, she said.
"They're not asking for incentive," she said. "It's reading because you want to."
For readers in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, the library is holding a "Books and Bites" event, where librarians will engage students to talk about books they like. Snacks will be provided at these meetings, scheduled for July 11, 18 and 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The library also offers a craft activity for teens and adults. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 7, teens and their parents can make accordion scrapbooks. All materials will be provided, and the event is free. Space is limited to the first 25 people who sign up.
For more information on summer reading programs, contact the library at 408.867.6126.
