There are only so many movies that can be seen in theaters this summer before the mind needs an outlet for imagination — reading is the likely solution.
The Orem library kicked off their annual summer reading program this month for children and teens, in which participants made goals and will be rewarded for their success.
The 8-week program will include fun and educational reading for toddlers to teens, according to a news release.
Annette Garner, assistant librarian at the Orem Library, said the themes were adopted from America’s Library Association (ALA).
“ALA’s theme worked perfect for the type of activities we wanted the community to participate in this summer,” she said. “Our first country will be Ireland, where we will hold a dance party with An Rogaire Dubh. For the teen program we will first hear from author Kristen Chandler, who wrote ‘Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me,’ and ‘Girls Don’t Fly,’ which will be released Oct. 13.”
Garner said the summer reading program is growing within the community.
“Last summer we had up to 400 kids come and participate,” she said. “The community loves these programs, and so do we. There is a great response from our community and even from neighboring ones. This program is a great activity for everyone in the family.”
Participants can pick up reading contracts at the library through which they will set personal goals and receive weekly rewards from local sponsors including Cinemark, University Mall, Thanksgiving Point, Yogurtland, Classic Fun Center, Chick-fil-A, Cold Stone, Jump on It, AA Gymnastics, Orem Owlz, Carl’s Jr., Pier 49 Pizza, Nickel City, Sonic, Del Taco, Jamba Juice, Applebee’s, Sizzler and The Quarry.
Marilee Clark, assistant librarian and summer program coordinator, said the program provides an essential opportunity for children and teens to be educated when school’s out.
“The summer reading program gets people in the library and helps them to continue developing their reading skills,” she said. “We get great support from local businesses because our program involves a lot of families in our community.
Clark said their program supporters and presenters are at an advantage because of the resources the library provides.
“During weekly presentations from authors and experts they have the opportunity to refer children and teens to the wealth of books provided in the library,” she said.
The teen summer reading program, “You Are Here,” will hold forums and activities from authors, artists, storytellers and scholars every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the library’s media auditorium.
The children’s summer reading program, “One World, Many Stories,” will hold activities highlighting a different country each Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the children’s section of the library.
Clark said the reading programs are a perfect way for children and teens to stay on top of their education during the summer.
“Learning shouldn’t stop because school is out,” she said. “Besides, this is the perfect anecdote for summer boredom.”
Visit lib.orem.org for more information about the library’s summer reading programs.
