Ready, set, read!

Tommy Mann, Jr.
The Orange Leader

June 03, 2008 01:27 pm

— With the end of the school year finally here, children across Orange County will be looking for fun things to do this summer. Luckily, there is probably a library near you.
The Orange Public Library, along with the Bridge City and Vidor Public Libraries, are welcoming children to attend its annual summer reading program. This year’s theme is “Texas Reading Club Jubilee 1958-2008” and will offer several consecutive weeks of reading fun and prizes.
Students who attend the West Orange-Cove school district will also have the opportunity to expand their love of reading or sharpen those skills honed during the school this summer as well.
The Orange Public Library program is 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, starting June 11 through July 23 inside the library at 220 N. Fifth St. in downtown Orange.
The program is open to children entering first through sixth grades. Library cards are free to city of Orange residents, while non-resident cards are available for purchase for $5 and are valid through August. Parents or guardians are required to stay in the building during the program.
The purpose of the program is to encourage young students to read throughout the summer in order to maintain and improve reading skills which they have developed during the previous school year.
Parents may begin signing children up for the summer reading program at 10 a.m., Monday, and the first program is at 10:30 a.m., June 11.
The weekly schedule of events includes is fun and varied, such as Sonny Carlin presenting Exotic Wings on June 11, the Mad Scientist program on June 18, and a tour of the Stark Museum on June 25.
“Sonny Carlin is one of the several new people and programs we have for the children this summer,” said Karen Phares, children’s librarian. “He brings in these exotic birds which perform a variety of tricks and stunts. It’s something very visual and we think the children will love.”
Phares said the Mad Scientist is a group of individuals who come from Houston which perform a variety of fun science experiments “which really entertain kids.”
The always popular Science Superstars return on July 16, and the culmination of the summer program, the library store and carnival on July 30.
“Without generous donations from the Friends of the Library or the Malloy Foundation, we would not have been able to offer our children such nice programs this year,” Phares said. “And we wouldn’t have anything to offer them through the library store if it wasn’t for the area merchants and the donations they made.”
Phares said area businesses such as Wal-Mart, Gala Hallmark, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, In Focus, Colorado Canyon, and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center have donated items which can be purchased by children at the library store on July 30.
A benefit of the program is that children are allowed to read at their own pace and any book they like.
Although no book reports are required, a reading log must be kept accurately to track the amount of time spent reading or even if someone reads to the child.
Reading logs may be turned in to library personnel by July 23 for children to receive library bucks, which can be spent at the library store during the carnival on July 30.
Even if child is not old enough to attend the regular weekly program, there is still another option available to them at the Orange Public Library.
The “Read to Me” program is a 30-minute story time session held in the Children’s Room of the library for preschool age youngsters.
These children will receive library bucks for each session they attend, which can also be redeemed at the library store. A reading log is also available for these children, so parents may keep track of time spent reading to these little ones too.
The Orange Public Library is also inviting students who are entering seventh grade through eleventh grade, to attend the “Wild Reads” program at 6 p.m., Tuesday nights, from June 10 through July 22 in the library meeting room.
Various programs and activities will be presented to this age group. Call 409-883-1086 for more information about any of these programs.
The Bridge City Public Library summer reading program is also holding registration at this time. It’s program is held from 11 a.m. until noon, each Wednesday, from June 11 through July 30 at 101 Parkside Drive.
Several special guests will attend each week to provide fun and informative sessions for the children, including magic with puppets, ancient martial arts, and even Shangri La.
The program is open to children in grade levels pre-kindergarten through six and library cards are free. Approximately 400 children registered in 2006 and 350 registered in 2007, and more than 30 signed up on Monday for this summer.
Children who maintain a reading log during the summer program will receive recognition at the July 30 awards ceremony. Call 409-735-4242 for more information.
For the second consecutive year, the Vidor Public Library will hold its summer reading program inside Parish Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on North Main Street.
The program is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and it begins this Wednesday and is held weekly through July 23, and is free for children.
Children are not required to log minutes at home or keep track of book authors. However, in order to receive prizes, children must read at least 10 books during the course of the program.
Books must be from the Vidor Public Library, and must be logged before the due date. The reading logs are kept at the library, and prizes are awarded to children for those who are able to read 10, 25 or 50 books during the two month long series.
“We have to hold our program at the Parish Hall now because of the number of children who attend,” said Collette Turner of the Vidor Public Library. “If we still held it at the library, we would only have room for 20 children. Hopefully, one day, we will have a library big enough to accommodate all of the children who attend.”
Turner said it was not uncommon to have some programs last summer where more than 100 children attended each week, and she said it is possible that number could increase this summer.
“With the way gas prices have increased, I would think parents will be looking for more activities for children which are closer to home,” she said. “We would love to see more children participate.”
Non-members are welcome to attend. A library card can be obtained with a valid Texas drivers license, proof of home or cell phone or social security number. Only one card is issued per household.
Call the Vidor Public Library at 409-769-7148 for more information.
The West Orange–Cove Consolidated Independent School District is pleased to offer incoming first grade through sixth grade students, for the 2008-2009 school year, the opportunity to enjoy reading this summer by opening two elementary school libraries twice a week during the month of June.
The Oates Elementary Library will be open from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, June 5 through June 26. Anderson Elementary Library will be open from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, June 10 through June 26.
Middle School students are also invited to read books at the West Orange-Stark Middle School Library. It will also be open on all Tuesdays and Thursdays in June from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Students will be able to check out books, read magazines, or use the computer.
“We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to enjoy summer reading to our students,” said Jane Stephenson, executive director of curriculum. “As educators, we know that books and reading are crucial to successful learning. We know that free time spent with books will benefit our students in many, many ways. Plus, reading is fun and can allow a child to experience all types of adventures and excitement in his or her own home.”
As part of the Summer Library Program, district students will be able to check out books.
Charlene Field, a former West Orange–Stark High School Librarian who assisted in organizing the Summer Library Program, said it is important for children to have many experiences with books to develop the concepts about print and reading strategies.
“They should be actively involved in the selection of books to build their confidence and to foster their love of reading,” Field said. “If a book is truly appropriate for them, youngsters will want to read it over and over. Rereading helps children develop confidence, fluency, and independence.”
Various guest readers will share their favorite stories and a special program will be featured at the elementary libraries. Reading incentives will also be provided.
Some of the scheduled elementary school presenters are from Junior Master Gardeners, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Shangri La Botanical Gardens.
Programs include art activities, seashell, wildlife and health information.
“This program is available to our students at no charge,” Stephenson said. “We invite parents to attend with their children. We also welcome extended family members or friends to attend as a child’s guest.”
Students are also welcome to participate in the summer lunch program at both campuses.
The Summer Library Program was coordinated by the West Orange–Cove CISD librarians.
Anderson Elementary is located at 902 West Park Avenue. Oates Elementary is located at 900 Newton Street. Call 409-882-5555 for more information about the summer reading program at these campuses.

Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com