Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 13/01) - A summer reading program is helping kids connect books to real life experiences. The Yellowknife Public Library plans a weekly children's reading group every summer.

Julia Marsh (left) and Belinda Breadmore did some improv theatre after visiting NACC on Wednesday. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

This year, the theme is "Read around the Town" which means kids visit various places in Yellowknife --including the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and the Bank of Commerce -- and then play games and read books on the same subject.

"This way kids see the library as an action place, not just as somewhere to sit and read," said Silvaanah Atley, a substitute teacher who helped plan the events. "I don't remember doing anything like this as a child and I think it's fun for kids," she added.

Last week, the children toured the Bank of Commerce. "It was cool," said Jenna Thompson. "We got to see the men drop off the money. It's better than sitting at home."

After returning to the library, they examined foreign money and guessed how many pennies could fit into a jar. They also read a money poem and a book on coin collecting.

"The idea is to keep kids involved with books throughout the summer and to help them learn about their community," said Deborah Bruser, community resource librarian.

This week, the kids went backstage at NACC. Then, back at the library, they discussed what directors and actors do before reading books and performing themselves.

The program, for children ages six to 10, wraps up on Aug. 15.