We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
A signature piece in the Oceans of Possibilities thematic décor is a coral reef created by Kelsey Buhmann Brown. Constructed from tissue paper, pool noodles, dyed coffee filters, packing peanuts, floral mesh, and plastic leis, the soft sculpture sits on a base made of discarded boxes and held together with "tons of tape."
With the school year winding down, many educators express concern about "summer slide," the decline of skills developed during the previous school year when they don't get practiced. Without available summer programs-especially in reading-students are academically vulnerable. Thankfully, due to Summer Reading Library Grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, two libraries in Blaine County will have support for ensuring that youth continue to learn, read, and explore Oceans of Possibilities. The oceanography theme was selected by the Collaborative Summer Library Program for 2022's summer reading programs.
Library Directors at Blaine County Library and Harlem Public Library learned in early May that they are recipients of $1,000 Summer Reading Library Grants that can be used to combat summer slide. Believing that reading exercises the brain, develops vocabulary, helps to strengthen a child's reading comprehension, and provides a great summer activity, librarians will encourage life-long reading habits and stimulate interest in the library with their summer reading programs.
Bill McGladdery, Director of Corporate Communications for Town Pump, spoke positively about this campaign. "The Town Pump Charitable Foundation appreciates the critical role libraries play in our Montana communities, and we're glad that we're able to assist in an area of education. Reading is such a fundamental skill and a gateway to success in life."
Last week, librarians at the Blaine County Library (BCL) in Chinook were going all out decorating as they transformed the children's area into an ocean. Assistant Librarian Kelsey Buhmann Brown recreated a coral reef that, according to Library Director Valerie Frank, "turned out very cool." Frank reported that the library has received quite a few donations lately, most of which were designated for support of the children's programs.
During the past two weeks, the BCL has hosted students from Meadowlark Elementary School to generate some enthusiasm for the summer reading program. The school's Librarian, Mrs. Kelsey Harry, who is also an advocate for the public library and for summer reading, took students on a field trip during their library skills class to hear about the Oceans of Possibilities theme, activities, incentives, and prizes. They also previewed some of the books that will make a splash, titles like Octopants by Suzy Senior and Shark Lady by Jess Keating.
The BCL will launch their summer reading program on May 31 with an End of School/Beginning of Summer Party. "In years past, we have waited until the first full week of June to start, but I think we miss the perfect time to get those kids into the library, since the pool is usually not open yet and there isn't much else for them to do. So that's how we came up with the party, which will be a shark theme," Frank explained.
Open to all ages, the party will begin at 2:00 and last until 5:00 p.m. There will be water games and prize drawings. As the summer progresses, readers can keep up to date about daily activities and programs by visiting the library's Facebook page. The BCL will have prizes for readers-from prereaders to adults-who reach reading milestones. Anyone with questions is invited to call the library at 406-357-2932.
In Harlem, readers of all ages will dive into similar activities. About the grant, Carly Vauthier, Assistant Library Director from the Harlem Public Library (HPL), stated: "That money will help us purchase supplies for crafts and activities, possibly some decorations. We will have some grand prizes for different age groups, so we'll need to purchase those, as well. So far, I have eight weeks of programming planned throughout the summer for children ages zero through about fourth grade."
Registration for HPL's Oceans of Possibilities summer reading program begins May 31. The program will run until July 22, and prizes will be awarded in three different categories.
Readers from age zero to kindergarten will keep track of the number of books read aloud and will earn gift certificates for reaching various milestones: 15 books (ice cream from Bliss Ice Cream); 30 books (Italian soda from Schmuker's Pizza); 45 Books (ice cream cone from HUB International); 60 books (one day free swimming pass from Harlem City Pool). For every 15 books read, readers will also be invited to enter their names in a drawing for a grand prize.
In the second category, readers in grades one through eight will need to keep track of the number of minutes they read. Their gift certificates will be based on 30 minute increments of reading time with similar prizes coming from the same supporters. For every 30 minutes read, readers will also be invited to enter their names in a drawing for a grand prize.
Finally, in the teen through adult category, readers will enter their names into a drawing for a grand prize of a $50 Visa gift card for every book read.
Committed to improving the education of Montana children, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation supports summer reading programs like these across the state. McGladdery reported that 99 grant requests were received statewide, so enthusiasm is high for programs that encourage reading as well as mitigate the effects of summer slide.
"At Town Pump, we understand the benefits to readers that a summer reading program can have. Such programs not only keep kids reading and engaged but, in rural communities especially, they add an important layer of socialization," he said.
