By Carmen Rodgers
Staff writer
School is almost out and thanks to the Tallassee Community Library children will have plenty to look forward to this summer. In an effort to promote reading and preserve reading skills over the summer months, the Tallassee Community Library will host the Rocking Fun Time summer reading program beginning June 6.
Registration for this reading program has begun. Early registration is suggested but is not required and those who have not preregistered may join the day of.
Preregistration is open and parents are highly encouraged to register children before opening day.
“Children who are preregistered for the program will have a reading record hanging at the library on opening day,” said Margret Lumpkin, Director of the Tallassee Community Library.
Designed for children of all ages, the summer reading program will run through the months of June and July, meeting once a week on Wednesdays. Ages 2-5 will begin at 10:30 a.m. Ages 6-9 will begin later in afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Finally, children between the ages 10 and 13 will start each Wednesday at 3 p.m.
On June 6, opening day for the program, each preregistered child will receive a welcome bag full of goodies. While this program is designed for children, event organizers say the summer program is not a “drop and go.” An adult must remain at the library with the child at all times.
This year’s reading program will have something for everyone. There will be plenty of activities to keep the children focused and engaged this summer.
“We will have crafts,” said Lumpkin. “Alabama Archives and History is coming this year. We will have a ventriloquist, a Wild West show and Doc Adoms, which is a scientist.”
Every child will receive a prize for completing the reading program and there will be a special prize for the most books read.
“We have a first-, second- and third-prize winner for each for the child who reads the most books in each age group,” Lumpkin said.
Ten books may be checked out per library card. Children are encouraged to read at their reading level or above. If the child doesn’t know how to read, a parent may read to them. If there is more than one child in the home, a parent may read to all the children and each child can record the books read.
Winners will be chosen using the sticker system. The reader with the most stickers at the end of the reading program wins a prize.
“They will get one sticker for each book that they have read,” Lumpkin said.
The library will end the season with a party in August. The annual “Pizza and Wet Party,” which will include a few special guests, is set for Aug. 1 at City Hall with plenty of summer fun in store for the reading program participants.
“We serve the kids pizza and the Tallassee Fire Department will bring their big truck out and spray the kids with water. Like a great big sprinkler,” Lumpkin said.
Because this program is geared to incorporate the entire family, it promotes the bond between children and parents.
“We have so many parents that tell us that after the summer program, they enjoyed it because it gave them more one-on-one time with their kids,” Lumpkin said.
While fun is a definite in this program, it is designed to help children keep the info gained in the classroom during the summer months. By maintaining focus, children are better able to retain the knowledge gained over the previous school year.
“Teachers offer positive feedback. They can usually tell which kids have been in the summer reading program,” Lumpkin said.
With so much to offer, perhaps the best thing about the summer reading program is the cost.
“It’s all free to the public,” said Lumpkin. “The staff and volunteers are looking forward to a ‘rocking fun time’ at the library.”
If you would like more information or to preregister for the upcoming summer reading program, contact Lumpkin at 334-283-2732.