Archive: Around Town

This week over 15 Elementary School classes were bussed to the Lansing Community Library Center to get them excited about reading. "We always invite them at this time of year because we want to tell them about the Summer Reading Program and promote the importance reading in the summer," says Susan Rosenkoetter, the driving force behind the program.

This year the popular reading program is pirate themed. Called "Books, A Treasure," the library staff has planned two programs in the Town Hall. "Merry Mischief," with Wayne and Marilyn Fuller will kick off the program on June 17th, and the ending celebration will be presented August 26th with Moreland the Magician and "Books a Treasure Magic Show."

Last year 118 children signed up for the Summer Reading Program, and they read more than 1,000 books over the course of the summer. This year Rosenkoetter says the program will include gold coins -- gold-foil wrapped chocolate coins, that is -- in a treasure chest and other activities that fit into the pirate theme. Kids will sign up to read a minimum number of books, and will be given a log to record them in.

All week long the classes arrived by bus to be greeted by "Miss Susan" (Rosenkoetter) and "Mr. Lyle" (Wadell). Each student got a bookmark and a flyer with the library's summer hours, plus they got to take out a book for the last time in the school year. Wadell provided each teacher a bag to collect the books at the end of the school year, making it easier for kids to take out the books they wanted without worrying about getting them back to the library. "Books never leave the classroom, because it's such a short period," Rosenkoetter says.

"Books a Treasure" is a state-wide theme with materials provided by the New york State Public Library system. The program has grown since 1999 when 172,000 kids took part to last year when 1,133,155 students participated. It is working toward a 100% participation goal. The system provides program materials to 1,200 libraries across the state for free, and local librarians are encouraged to adapt the program to meet local needs.

"Mr. Lyle" Wadell (left) and 3rd Grade Teacher Denise Kaminsky model "Books a Treasure t-shirts

Last year the logs were kept at the library, but because the library will be closed from four to six weeks for construction kids will keep their logs at home this year. They'll turn them in at the end of the program to receive a certificate of achievement.

After welcoming each class to the library Rosenkoetter pointed out the construction to the kids before they settled into the reading area to be treated to pirate jokes and a look at "Dragonology," a popular book that tells all about dragons. She told them all about the summer program. Many students had participated last year and knew all about it.

As they climbed back onto the bus after the half hour program, all the kids had gotten the message. Reading is fun and exciting, and it's not just for school. It's fun all year 'round.

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