SIKESTON -- Local libraries are planning to explore the night life -- from bedtime rituals to constellations and camping -- through their summer reading programs.
"Dream Big -- Read" is this year's theme at libraries in Scott, New Madrid and Mississippi Counties.
"Our summer reading program is the only activity in Sikeston that's just for kids. The library is the place to be for kids in the summer. It's free, educational and it's fun," said Ann Thompson, children's librarian, at the Sikeston Public Library.
For example, the preschoolers will be reading about camping programs and get to make S'mores for their activity. Another sub-theme of "Dream Big" is the stars, Thompson said. So one group will be reading about the night skies and making star finders.
In addition to reinforcing their reading skills, children will also use communication and socialization skills.
"They get to come in the library and see their friends and socialize," Thompson said. "We have group projects, and they use their communications skills, too. They meet new people and buddy up with old friends. They're building on those things, and the greatest part is they're in the library where the books are."
Thompson estimated the library usually serves bout 350 children each week during the summer reading program, which kicks off the last week of June and runs through the beginning of August.
Mississippi County Public Library District's summer reading program is under way with programs, prize drawing and story hours among the planned activities.
New this year is a web-based program for children in grades K-6 called "Book Adventure." Children will have the chance to read a book from a list of books on the Book Adventure Website. Students can earn parent-approved prizes online and from the library.
Riverside Regional Library branch librarian Gwen Streeter said summer reading program participation is generally high at the Oran and Benton locations.
"There are times when our meeting room is packed full," Streeter said. "Of course, it depends on the program offered that day and local interest."
Weekly story times, guest presenters and exhibits and magic shows make up the program, which runs through June and July.
"Most of them are very entertaining. The kids really enjoy them, but they are entertaining for parents as well," Streeter said.
Participants of Riverside's summer reading club, which begins June 5 at its Oran and Benton branches, will receive a reading log to record the books they've read this summer.
"When they complete that, local merchants have given us certificates, and we reward them for reading," Streeter said.
New Madrid County Library is hosting summer reading programs for children ages 6 to 12 at its seven branches beginning July 5.
Susan Newman, director of the New Madrid County Library, said this year the summer reading program will be offered at seven branches instead of six.
"We're excited about adding Risco branch to the program," Newman said, adding before children who attended the program had to travel to Parma.
Newman said she would love to have more participation from the communities, adding there are benefits to children participating in the four-week program.
"If you continue reading all summer, you don't lose as much of the skill as you gained in the school year," Newman said.
Plus, the program is fun, Newman said.
"We don't just read. We have crafts and giveaways. We do have story times and then check out books," Newman said.
"Own the Night" is the theme for the older readers participating in the summer reading programs at the Sikeston Public Library and Riverside Regional Library.
Twyla Bird, young adult services librarian, who is coordinating the teen reading program, which will allow participants to learn about the night sky and creatures of the night.
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