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A cool summer idea
Hubbard library offers programs for all ages
Vindicator Staff Writer
Gallery
HUBBARD — Reading informs, instructs and entertains people of all ages. Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St., has devised summer reading programs geared for children, teens and adults.
A jamboree featuring musician Chip Richter took place Monday. The family-oriented event is one of the special events at the library. Another will be Stories and S’more Family Night planned for 6:30 p.m. July 6. Registration is required; call the library at (330) 534-3512.
For children age 2 to 10, Camp Read in the children’s room is the place to be. Decorated in a summer-camp motif, complete with black bear and deer and a netted gazebo, the setting is sure to engage young readers.
Mary Anne Russo, children’s librarian, said about 300 children from Hubbard and surrounding areas are involved in the reading program. They can read the books themselves or have someone read to them. Each week, each child is asked to pick a favorite book and talk to Russo, or Nancy Grapevine or Dana Tirabassi, children’s room staff members, about it.
“We like to sit down with each child individually,” Russo said. “This helps children feel connected to the library.”
The netted gazebo, Russo said, provides a special place for children to gather and read. “We want to make it fun,” she said.
The youngsters also are involved in an ongoing scavenger hunt, which uses a nature theme. This week, youngsters did a craft project making a “glow bug,” and next week, the scavenger hunt will use a compass. During the week of June 29, there will be a stick weaving craft, and July 13, a nature journal.
“We have a different theme every year,” Russo said, noting that the ideas are “out of my brain.”
“I like to be creative,” she said, noting that some libraries follow a national theme.
For teens, which involves the 11-17 age group, there’s no required reading list, often a put-off.
“It’s just important that they read,” said Sandy Walter, librarian. The flier tells teens: “Read what is required, or read for entertainment. Just read!”
Participants who read books from what’s called the librarian’s choice — biography, book on tape, fiction novel, magazine, mystery or nature book (fiction or nonfiction) — get a bonus entry. That is, another chance to win a $20 gift card or certificate for pizza, a movie, gas, clothing, restaurant or books. The grand prize is a $50 gift certificate to use at Eastwood Mall in Niles.
The children’s and teen programs began June 8 and conclude July 18.
As for adults, Walter said, “The goal is to get people into different parts of collection.”
She noted that adult readers may get mired in reading biographies or mysteries and not be motivated to check out other library shelves. “We give some direction by offering a list of titles,” she said.
Adults also can win prizes, with the grand prize being a one-night stay at Julia’s Bed and Breakfast. Other prizes are gift certificates for restaurants, golf courses, a hardware store and fitness center. The adult program began in June and concludes July 30.
In the teen and adult programs, participants drop in an entry ticket for every book read. Random drawings determine prizes.
Friends of the Library, Hubbard Rotary and Hubbard Kiwanis donated to the summer program.
linonis@vindy.com