Archive: Around Town

Lansing Community Library wrapped up this year's Summer Reading Program with 'Bugs and Moose Out On the Loose,' songs for kids that were a perfect fit for this year's 'Catch the Reading Bug' theme.  But the big news was that so far Lansing kids have read 627 books, and they can read more before the program closes when school starts next month. 

"Of course they don't have to read books about bugs -- they can read anything," says the program's head Susan Rosenkoetter.  "Kids have to read a minimum of six over the summer.  They keep a log of the books they read, which they turn in at the end of the summer.  Once complete, they get a certificate commemorating their achievement, as well as prizes that are based on the theme."

Over a third read many more than the six required.  141 kids signed up, about half when they attended the first event at the beginning of summer, and the rest visiting the library to sign up.  That opening event featured Moreland the Magician, who has been hired for the program at least a couple of times before this, matching his performance to the theme of each year.  That event attracted more than 125 people.


Saturday's event featured local singer-songwriter Tom Seiling, who also molds his program to the theme of the year.  In fact Seiling is performing at 128 libraries this summer.  "It's nice to be close to home," he says.  "This is library number 100 for me since Memorial Day.  I just drove from Boston yesterday.  I live in Newfield, so it's great to be here.  I had a really fun time in Groton, so it's great to be local."

The New York State Library coordinates the program, providing 23 library systems that encompass 1,100 local libraries with a theme for the summer, promotional materials, an idea manual, and support.  Last year New york joined the Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP), a 44 state consortium that provides the theme and materials for local programs.  The program has grown impressively in New York.  With 344,000 participants in 2000, the summer reading program has gained more numbers steadily until it reached 1,352,932 last year.  This year the goal is to enroll 1,500,000 kids.

Studies show that kids who participate in the summer reading program learn better and forget less of what they learned during the school years than students who do not participate, and show that partnerships between schools and local libraries are essential in promoting summer reading.  Some libraries use a second theme that is focussed at teenagers.  That theme for this year is 'Metamorphosis'.

Seiling says he crafts his programs to fit the national theme, so it will work for most of the libraries he visits.  He also donates a copy of his CD to each library he performs at for kids who can't afford to buy them.  All the libraries on his tour except those in Massachusetts are using the bug theme this year.  "That's right up my alley," he says.  "Nature is good for me.  I have a lot of animal songs for kids.  When they do 'space' it gets harder!"

Rosenkoetter typically works with Lansing elementary school teachers to make the summer reading program work.  She visits the school and is invited into every single classroom from K-4 to tell kids about the program and to read to them.  This year teachers Patty Jennings, Sam Foley, Lisa Peter, and Sandy Rapp, helped conduct the program, as well as parent Melissa Ferris.  Rosenkoetter says the library's circulation staff plays a big part in the program's success, telling kids about summer reading and signing them up.

Kids who turned in their reading logs Saturday got a bag of prizes that included felt bugs, and bug bookmarks.  Each kid who participates also gets a coupon for a free book at the upcoming library book sale.


Rosenkoetter, a retired librarian, has headed the program since the Lansing library began conducting it.  But she says this will probably be her last year.  The library will be hiring a full time librarian in October.  "They're going to have a new librarian and I'm sure she is going to take charge," she says.  "She may handle things differently -- she may want to run it.  Unless I am asked I will step down.  Of course I'll always work at the Lansing Schools until I am on my last legs."

Whether she continues in this role or not, Rosenkoetter is a fixture for Lansing kids who are learning to read.  She regularly reads to kids, whether it is at the schools or other venues such as an annual event at Bakers Acres, or at the town day camp.  In addition she often takes teachers to reading and writing conventions at her own expense, and has brought kids authors to speak at the schools for the past several years.  This year it was John Ritter, who is known for his sports stories.

"I just love to read and I love to get kids reading," she says.  "And I always enjoy working with the teachers."

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