Find out what's in your world through the Summer Reading Program

Families looking for an educational and enriching adventure for their children this summer may want to consider enrolling them in the New Madrid County Library’s Summer Reading Program.

The program director is Janey Kennett is inviting young children in the area to explore the mind through the literacy program offered

this year, under the theme “Where in the World is the World?"

“One way children can expand their horizons is through their minds,” Kennett said. "This summer the library will provide area youth that are in Kindergarten and going into the sixth grade, an opportunity to experience an adventure around the world by reading incredible books. The library goals to accomplish several things through the community program. Through summer reading it hopes to motivate children to read, develop positive attitudes about reading and books, enable children to maintain their reading skills during vacation, encourage regular use of the library, attract new people to the library, offer experiences through which children can learn to work cooperatively, and to encourage families to read aloud together.

Kennett said that although the program focuses on youth, parents are encouraged to equally participate. Summer reading programs may be often viewed by parents as simply a positive educational resource for children, she said. However, she feels the reading programs also provide social opportunities for those who participate by presenting a good opportunity for kids to socialize with their peers outside of the classroom, and make new friends while visiting the library to check out new books.

It is also a time in which parents can connect and network with one another.

As part of the program, there will be a picture contest. Each week within the pages of the Portageville Missourian-News, there will be a picture of the globe located at different location through out the community. The goal is for each participant to correctly guess where in Portageville is the world will get a prize.

Additionally, the children will making crafts and building a skyscraper with newspapers and other items.

Parents are ask to start bringing in a few items for the arts and crafts projects. Items needed are used newspapers, used envelopes, paper towel and toilet paper end cardboard rolls, peanut packing and box tops small enough to hold eggs. Please bring them to the New Madrid County Library, Portageville branch.

Kennett noted that prizes will be awarded to perfect attendance, reading the most books, as well as correctly guessing 'Where is the World in Portageville?'

Schedules for the Four Week Summer Reading Program are as follows:

• Tuesdays, July 11, special time, Morehouse, 1:00 pm and Matthews, 3:00 pm

• Wednesday, July 12, special time, New Madrid - 10:00 am

• Tuesdays, July 18, July 25, August 1 at regular schedule, New Madrid, 10:00 am; Morehouse, 1:00 pm; Matthews, 3:00 pm.

• Fridays, July 14, July 21, July 28, and August 4 at regular schedule, Portageville, 10:00 am; Parma, 1:00 pm; and Gideon, 3:00 pm.

“I’m very excited to kick off our 2017 program. This is my fourth year doing this, never a dull moment," Adams said. “We are going to have fun, adventures of a life-time, and crafts. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get more involved in reading.”