Summer reading fun to begin at local libraries

Libraries in Wantagh, Seaford and Levittown kick off their summer reading programs this month.

On June 11, the Levittown Public Library is having an outdoor festival in front of the library to celebrate the start of its program. There will be a magician, guest authors, craft tables and games. Readers can begin signing up, but this is certainly not the only time to register, said program director, Geraldine Farmer-Morrison.

“We want families to make us a part of their summer routine,” she said. “Come in whatever time is convenient, and we always have craft and game tables set up.”

The program spans seven weeks, ending on Aug. 16. This year’s theme is all about sports, so there will be activities such as making baseball cards and learning about bicycle helmets. With the children’s program, kids are expected to read one book per week. In the young adult and adult programs, reading is tracked by the hour.

The program is designed to encourage reluctant readers to have fun with reading, and this summer at the library will be about just that, Farmer-Morrison said. “It’s is my favorite part of working here,” she said. “This is like our Christmas season.”

The Wantagh Public Library invites residents of all ages to its kick-off event on June 25. There will be games, crafts and other activities, including a Star Wars meet-and-greet. Registration will begin for the four reading programs: Smart Start (ages 0-3), children (ages 4-11), young adult (grades 6-12), and adult. Those looking to participate in the program can register any day before the program’s completion on Aug. 12.

Children are asked to read for at least a half hour per week, said program coordinator, Susan Finck. Each week, students track their reading hours and then come down to the library to receive a prize from the middle- and high-school volunteers. According to Finck, the program is a great way for students to keep their minds active over the summer and be ready to learn in the fall. Those who participate in it tend to avoid what she calls the “summer slide.”

“It also gets the schools’ required summer reading out of the way for mom and dad,” Finck said.

Seaford Public Library’s kick-off event is June 27. There will be face painting, temporary tattoos, and appearances by Pete the Cat and Paddington Bear. Students can sign up from this day through the program’s final day, Aug. 12. When children sign up, they can fill out their reading records to be kept at the library to track the books they have read.

“We hold activities like story hours and magic shows to keep the children motivated to read,” said Jacqueline Lopez, head of the children’s department.

The theme for this year’s program is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” with the theme of sports, health and fitness. It is for children ages 2 through sixth grade. The library is also introducing the Little Readers program for kids up to age 2.

Students in sixth grade and above have the opportunity to volunteer by helping out with activities, logging children’s reading records and distributing prizes. Once their reading logs are competed, students receive a certificate at the end of the summer.