Program tries to appeal to children of all ages

SIKESTON - Ann Thompson, Sikeston Public Library' s children's librarian, wants kids to do a little gardening this summer, try their hands at an archeological dig, search for hidden pirate's treasure and maybe even travel back to the time of dinosaurs. But what she wants most is for youngsters and teens to "Dig into Reading."

"It really It is a neat theme," said Thompson about this year's Summer Reading Program, Dig into Reading, which begins Monday. She said it has generated a lot of interest among youngsters and parents alike, who have inquired about the programs and picked up flyers promoting them.

The Dig into Reading program kicks off with a bit of gardening, Thompson said. Then as their plants grow, the librarian hopes their interest in books will blossom as well.

Halyn Munday, 4, contemplates her tile drawing.

Halyn Munday, 4, contemplates her tile drawing.

By offering a variety of topics, Thompson explained, she hopes even the most reluctant reader will come across a subject they want to know more about.

"We want to get kids interested in subjects and reading the books," she said "Reading the books helps them maintain their reading level throughout the summer. And we want them to understand that reading is fun. Coming to the library is fun event."

Mississippi County Library Director Stephanie Bledsoe agreed.

"I think it is important to continue with all the hard work the teachers have done through the year in reading," she said about the summer reading program currently under way at the Mitchell Memorial Library Branch in East Prairie with programs set in July at the Clara Drinkwater Newnam Branch in Charleston.

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