Digging into reading at Peninsula Public Library

Summer reading program makes learning fun

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Getting a child excited for summer reading is often like getting an adult excited for tax season; it’s no easy task.
However, the Peninsula Public Library has taken the initiative to make summer reading something children can look forward to.
Carolynn Matulewicz of Atlantic Beach, who is a librarian at the Peninsula Public Library, brought local kids together on July 11 for an activity that is part of the library’s summer reading program.
Stacey Lee, a representative from the Long Island Children’s Museum that sponsored the event, spoke to children between four and 12 years of age about archaeology and artifacts. The theme of the library’s program is “dig into reading,” so the events have included activities such as finding seashells on the beach. This particular event, focused on archaeology and required the children to dig through small containers of sand, with a paintbrush (their archaeology tool) to find small puzzle pieces (artifacts).

“Events like these are to encourage the kids to come to the library,” said Matulewicz. “We want them to get books and keep reading during the summer.”
Books in relation to the day’s theme such as “Digging into the Past” and “Archaeology,” part of the Eyewitness book series were on display. The library has been displaying non-fiction books so that the kids can think outside the box and read books they don’t normally read in school.
Lee asked the kids what they know about archaeology and explained why it’s important to look at artifacts and study ancient people and places. She passed around photographs of pyramids and other examples of ancient architecture for the children to see as well.
“The most fun part was learning the symbols of the Native Americans,” said Danielle Hance, 10, from Inwood, referring to the small puzzle pieces and artifacts she dug up in her sand box. Hance said that throughout the summer, she has been reading plenty of non-fiction books and the program is helping her learn new vocabulary to prepare her for the fifth grade.
This was just one event that the library hosts over the summer, as in terms of the “digging into reading” theme, there are four more events planned. All kids have to do is register and come to the library, as the reading is not a requirement, but something that is just encouraged.
“I enjoy it because it actually brings kids to the library and gets them excited about something other than video games,” said Matulewicz. “We want them to see the library as a fun place to come.”

PPL’s “dig into reading” events

Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m.
Dig into Clay. Children create creatures using self-hardening clay and natural materials such as rocks, shells, pebbles, twigs and more.

Thursday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.
Sandcastle building at the beach will be held in Atlantic Beach, weather permitting. Dig into the sand and make your own sandcastle.

Thursday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.
Dig into dirt. Make your own dirt cups with crushed Oreos and gummy worms.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.
Dig into Ice cream. Make your own sundae.

For more information call Carolynn Matulewicz at (516) 239-3262 x211.

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