Summer reading program provides oceans of fun
Summer reading program attendees at Tarkington Community Library listen intently to the day’s lesson provided by library staff and volunteers. Contributed Photo
Young attendees at the summer reading program, held at Tarkington Community Library, participate in a variety of games and activities each week.
Attendees have poured into the Tarkington Community Library for this year’s well-attended summer reading program.
An average of 50 to 60 local children have attended in recent weeks. The 2022 program, called Oceans of Possibilities, has been held at the library each Wednesday, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Volunteers have enthusiastically hosted the fun and informative programs for the children in attendance, allowing them the opportunity to socialize and absorb knowledge in fun and exciting ways.
Programs include such topics as sea creatures, maritime archaeology and shipwrecks, and shark week, which is often a hit for children and adults alike.
“The summer reading program is a vital part of our library and our community,” said Head Librarian Laura Walker. “Summer reading is crucial to providing year-round access to books for children that otherwise might not have access to books while school is out for the summer.”
Statistics have shown that reading during the summer months plays an important role in helping children maintain reading levels, build vocabulary, improve fluency, and strengthen comprehension.
Walker added that the program also helps to provide volunteer opportunities for older students and adults within the community.
“I’m just excited to be involved with the community and the kids,” said Kristi Hughes, who serves as one of the volunteers for the program. “The summer reading program is a great program for kids to be learning that reading is important and that you can go anywhere in books.”
Fellow volunteer Elizabeth Walker echoed these sentiments, adding that the program promotes the importance of reading and learning for children and highlights just how valuable the library can be as a community resource.
“Encouraging children to read with programs like our summer reading program creates a better future for these young readers, as well as for our community as a whole,” said Walker. “As someone who grew up in the community, I enjoy seeing that these kids are getting the summer reading experience that I wish I had as a child.”
The program is open enrollment, allowing attendees to miss a week if necessary, and is open to children aged 3 and up. Though the program is free to attend, the children are looking to collect pledges, which would allow the library to bring in funds for necessities, upgrades, and future programs that will cater to the local community.
Several local businesses have donated items for use during the program, as well as items to serve as prizes for the many events and games the child attendees participate in throughout the program. Among those businesses are Tarkington Snoball, Wal-Mart, and Pueblo Viejo. The Tarkington Athletic Center also donated coupons for free gymnastics classes.
Many community members have searched the Amazon wishlist library staff created, allowing those interested to purchase and donate items, such as snacks, paper, ink and craft supplies, among other items for use throughout the summer reading program.
To volunteer for the summer reading program or for more information, call 281-592-5136 or E-mail info@tarkingtonlib.org. You can also follow Tarkington Library on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok@tarkingtonlib.