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closeSummer programs aim to keep youths reading
“Catch the Reading Bug” with reading, interactive activities at the Puyallup Public Library
Chris Albert
Keeping students reading during their summer break is all about keeping their reading level intact, said Mary Jo Torgeson, director of the Puyallup Public Library.
“That’s exactly why we do the programming,” said Carol Hopkins, children’s librarian at the Puyallup Public Library.
This year’s summer national summer theme is “Catch the Reading Bug” and unique programming at the Puyallup Library is bringing reading opportunities for prizes, interactive activities and a place to go during summer break.
“It’s one of the traditions of a public library,” Torgeson said.
Having the same theme as library systems like Pierce County makes it easier for a smaller library to get the word out about their reading program.
Although the theme is the same the programming is unique to Puyallup. Hopkins said the librarians work as a team to look through pre-made curriculum and develop their own, like a Winnie-the-Pooh program about honey bees.
“That’s the kind of things we have happen,” she said.
Throughout the summer children who read 10 hours will receive a free book. For every hour spend reading, they get to throw their name into a raffle in hopes of winning prizes like $50 gift cards to the South Hill Mall.
“We just trying to get some motivation for kids to keep up their reading,” Hopkins said.
Ten hours isn’t a difficult goal to achieve, Hopkins said. If a child tries to read 15 minutes a day throughout the summer they’ll reach 10 hours easily.
That will give them the opportunity to win fun prizes like passes to the Point Defiance Zoo.
The library provides those resources to reach reading goals, but it’s not just about reading but also taking part in interactive programs. There are crafts, entertainment and art projects like sidewalk chalk art at the library.
“When I was a kid, I hated the summer reading program because they grilled you about what you read,” Torgeson said.
Not so here, she said. And even better when a child reaches that 10 hour goal, they get to choose the book they get.
“For a child who gets to pick their own book that’s a big deal,” Torgeson said.
But a child’s success in the reading program is very dependent on parents, she said.
“It’s really about giving more resources for parents,” Torgeson said. “The parents and caregivers are the ones who have the power.”
“If you can read you can succeed,” she added.
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Summer reading at the Puyallup Public Library
Children’s events start at 3 p.m.
> July 18: Winnie-the-Pooh and the Honey Bees: bring a camera, as Pooh will make an appearance. There will also be the opportunity to learn about beekeeping and make Bee-you-tiful crafts.
> July 25: Ladybug Release Party: help spread ladybugs in the park and make ladybugs to take home.
> Aug. 1: Butterfiles in the Garden with Piece County Master Gardeners.
> Aug. 8: Buggy Magic Show with Louie Foxx.
> Aug. 15: Bee-Boppin’ Bugs concert with Nancy Stewart.
Events for the whole family
> Aug. 9: Chalk the Walk will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Families are invited to come by and test their artistic creativity by drawing on the sidewalk in front of the library.
Storytimes
> Preschooler story time is for children 3 to 5 years old at 10 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through Aug. 15.
> Tales for Twos is for children 2 to 3 years old at 10 a.m. on Fridays.
> Toddler Treasures is for children 1 to 3 years old at 11 a.m. on Thursdays.
> Little Ones is for children 24 months or younger at 11 a.m. on Fridays
Young adult events
> July 16: Anime: Millennium Actress will be from 3 to 5 p.m.
> July 19: Learn about Cosplay will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Par tic pants learn about dressing up as their favorite anime, manga or video game character. Professional costumer, Melissa Quinn, will be talking about how to design and make cosplay outfits and show some of her own creations.
> July 23: Makeovers will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Come learn tips and tricks about makeup basics, and try out a new look. Students from Gene Juarez Salon will be on hand.
> July 30: Sleeveface will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Come in and try out a new type of photography, were a person poses for a photo partially hidden by a record sleeve, causing an illusion.
> Aug. 2: Breaking Dawn party will be from noon to 2 p.m. Join the fun for a Twilight-themed party and celebrate the release of Stephenie Meyer’s new book, Breaking Dawn.
> Aug. 6: T-Shirt Transformation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Come bring a few old T-Shirts to the library and get to cutting, sewing and rethinking how to wear T-shirts in this hands-on workshop.
> Aug. 13: End of the Summer party will be from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be food, music, games and books. Special prizes will also be given out.