It is time for the youth of Eckville to feed their passions through the library’s summer reading program.
The TD Summer Reading Program’s official theme is “feed your passion” but the staff at the library felt that was just a little too vague.
After spending some time thinking it over, Keziah See, summer reading program director at the Eckville Public Library, thought it was best to narrow the scope of the summer.
The narrowed theme is Virtual Computer Games.
“I decided to go with something that the kids loved and give it an unusual twist,” explained See.
The folks at the library will be basing each session of the summer reading program off of computerized games, and twist into a realistic learning experience.
According to See, video games give many different avenues to go down for learning opportunities.
For instance, a zombie-based video game can teach children survival, human anatomy and health science.
“The kids are actually really interested in human anatomy,” said See. “They also like the entrepreneurial games like Tycoon.”
Along with different learning activities and arts and crafts there will of course be a lot of reading.
The staff at the library will be pulling books for the children based on the topics for each week, because at the core of the program is reading.
The kids participating in the summer reading program, which averages around 40 kids signed up, will be encouraged to continue to read during summer vacation.
“We’ll have the kids keep track of what they are reading, and there will be prizes handed out,” said See.
Those who read during summer vacation have an easier time transitioning back into school work come September, studies show.
Programs like the TD Summer Reading Program, encourages children to learn and grow through arts, crafts, activities and reading.
See says the program at the library offers the children the chance to learn more about themselves while developing new and useful skills.
“These kids learn who to search and find new information for themselves, which I think is invaluable,” said See.
She also said the children participating in the program also learn leadership skills and problem solving while giving them a safe place for social interactions in the summer.
The summer reading program is free to the public. Those between the ages of 6-12 interested can sign-up at the library. The program will run from July 12 to Aug. 16.
Participant can sign-up for the program up to a week before the first day of the program.
Volunteers are also needed to help ensure the program runs smoothly.
“We need volunteers to help keep the kids in line and entertained,” said See, adding “the more volunteers the better.”
See says many past volunteers are former participants in the program who are now old enough to help out.
Those interested can contact the library for more information.