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INUVIK
The Books in the Home program at the Inuvik Centennial Library started for the fall session on Sept. 19.

Melani Adams is the facilitator for the Books in the Home program run out of the library. The current session started Sept. 19 and continues until Oct. 17. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Running weekly until Oct. 17, it's a workshop where parents and guardians are invited to bring their children for reading, crafts, snacks and to take home a brand new book.

Melani Adams is the facilitator for the program and said the program has a wide age range because they wouldn't turn anyone away who wants to participate.

"We like to keep the programs open. This one says four to 12 but if you're older that's fine," said Adams.

This is the fifth year the program has been running at the library.

"It helps parents build up their children's library," said Adams.

"In theory, you take home the book and read as a family."

Adams chooses the books based on a few factors. Each session she tries to include one or two well-known authors, like Dr. Seuss or Eric Carle, who wrote and illustrated the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

"In the first few years of the program there were a lot of Northern books," said Adams.

"We already have a lot of those in the library, so sometimes I'll try to order something we don't have."

The season also affects which books are chosen.

"Kids are interested in what's going on around them so I try to find books that reflect the time of year," said Adams.

The first book of the session was a Flock of Shoes, by Sarah Tsiang. The children's book is about changing footwear with the seasons.

"I thought it would be good for this time," said Adams.

"Before long we'll be in boots."

Of course, the book also has to be interesting to read aloud.

The wide age range meant to make the program accessible is not without challenges. Adams tries to pick books that are in the mid-range, but some of the older readers find them too easy while the youngest ones struggle.

"For some of the older kids they are too easy, but it's about reading," said Adams.

"Even the older kids enjoy being read to, even when they know how to read."

Adams usually has an average of 12 kids, but the numbers vary based on what else is happening around town, like hockey or figure skating.

"We hope for good numbers and we have increased the numbers. We'd rather have leftovers than run out of books," said Adams.

Because the books aren't repeated for a couple of years, extra books are either shelved in the library or sent to the hospital.

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