Summer reading program a success
Students head back to school with solid skills
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, August 20, 2015
INUVIK
This summer's crop of readers, although small, was one of the largest library assistant Sandhya Koirala has ever seen.
Library assistant Sandhya Koirala, left, reads to Kade Hunter during the summer reading program at the Inuvik Centennial Library last Wednesday evening. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo
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"Summers are always quiet," she said.
"But this summer I've had the most I've ever had for the reading program."
The Inuvik Centennial Library runs several programs every week, including one designed for the summer months when children aren't in school.
Each week, they read a book, do a craft, and keep track of their progress.
Last week's theme was shadows and Koirala had set up a shadow puppet theatre as the assigned craft.
"If we have the kids reading through the summer, they don't lose that flow and it's easier to go back to school," she said.
Typically, Koirala has been getting about six children each
Wednesday evening, but only two came last week.
She said August always tends to be slower and that people might be on vacation and out of town.
Even having the program in the evening so it doesn't conflict with work schedules and summer day camp hasn't resulted in more participants this month.
"This is just one of the wonderful programs the library offers," said Jodie Pongracz, who brought her two children to the summer program Wednesday evening.
"We come to the Sunday program too and sometimes the special things they do at Christmas."
Curiously, Koirala said that the programs for zero to four year olds are always more popular. The summer reading program is targeted at school aged children, between ages four and 12. She also said when children do come to the summer program, she very rarely gets anyone above about eight years old.
Still, Koirala is hopeful for a busier fall with the return of classes.
"Starting in September, maybe, we have a Books in the Home program on Wednesday evenings," she said.
"We read a book together and then give it to people to take home with them."
That program focuses on the school-aged population as well, although each week will be tailored to a different reading level, depending on attendance.
"We do as much as we can to get kids interested in books and to keep them reading their whole lives," said Koirala.
