Summer reading program brings a lot more than just books

Registration for the Strathmore Library's summer reading program is now open, and the program is bringing a lot more than just reading.

While reading is obviously one of the primary focuses, program coordinator Erica Dewald said they also have each group come in once a week to spend time together doing many activities like playing games, arts and crafts, and more.

"We're putting an emphasis this year on having the kids make friends and really foster a sense of community within themselves so that they can maintain those friends throughout the year and see each other next summer and really have all those fun summer experiences that kids really love," Dewald said. 

Beyond the weekly meetups for each group, they also have Community Friday, which is free for anyone to attend. Similar to the previously mentioned weekly meetups these are all about getting the kids together to make new friends, but the activities will be different than the weekly meetups so there's a reason to go to both.

As for the reading aspect, program coordinator Jeannie Nelson explained the reading is done on your own throughout the week, which you keep track of through a reading log. While the library didn't want to pit the kids against each other, there is a bit of friendly competition as the kids that read the most will receive prizes. Nelson said they're able to balance the sense of competition vs reading at your own pace because they don't publicly announce who is 'winning.'

"We're not sharing who has the most minutes or books read or anything, and plus it is separated by age group so we're not having a kindergartener competing with a 13-year-old. Given the donations we may or may not receive, we may be able to give prizes to every kid who brought in a reading log because we know how hard they worked towards this and we want to celebrate that. But then there's of course the extra ones for the kids who went above and beyond the expectation," Nelson said.

The library didn't want to give all the prizes away, but mentioned they will have a wide variety including pool parties, pizza, and potentially Calaway Park free passes too! 

"We're really excited, particularly about the prizes because most of them have been donated by people in the Strathmore community," Dewald said.

Registration opened on June 5 and is open until June 21. You can find more information and register on their website here, or go to the library and register in person. Registration is $5 in person, and $6.50 on the website to cover additional processing fees. Nelson said they wanted to keep the registration fee as low as possible so it's not a barrier for entry, and the money helps them pay for the supplies needed for activities.

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