Kids at your Library:
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Summer Reading to Enthralled Listeners at the Newkirk Library
It's Summer! Let's Read!
An article about children and libraries would not be complete without discussion of the most extensive children's initiative at most libraries—summer reading programs. Nearly 30-years old, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries' summer program is designed to furnish incentives for school-aged children to read, and to provide entertaining and educational ways for children to pass the summer. The 1997 program, Be a Super Snooper Sleuth at Your Library, had 186 libraries throughout the state reporting participation. These libraries held over 3,000 storytimes or special events with 136,658 children attending. For the first time this year, libraries in the statewide program allowed children to set their goals, deciding for themselves how much or how long they wanted to read. Libraries offered a variety of incentives to encourage kids. Libraries in the Metropolitan Library System offered tickets to Oklahoma City 89ers baseball and the Oklahoma Children's Theatre. In the spirit of sleuthing, Poteau's Buckley Public Library had a mystery prize, with weekly clues about what was in the box ($30 worth of 50-cent pieces).
Throughout the summer, mystery themes were evident in presentations and activities. A variety of guests and performers were introduced to the kids. Some librarians created mysteries for children to untangle. Carnegie Public Library devised a card catalog puzzle, giving kids only a catalog number or a description with which to find a book. Broken Bow Library had children identifying animals from their tracks. The Tahlequah Public Library hosted a free "Mystery Dinner" (provided by the Friends of the Library) where guests could investigate an intrigue complete with appearances by mysterious characters. In Pawhuska and Edmond, librarians encouraged children to write a mystery based on the Super Snooper Sleuth poster.
Whether it's in a small town or a large city, there is a lot going on for children at your public library. Warm, inviting houses filled with books, libraries offer children opportunities for growth. Providing encouragement and support for children, public libraries offer a wide view filled with hope.
Proud Participants of the Newkirk Public Library
Summer Reading Program
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